As the son of Honduran immigrants and the first in his family to attend college, Dr. Richard Duarte brings a unique perspective and deep appreciation for relationships to McCarl Dental Group. Growing up in Columbia, MD, he found himself spending plenty of time in the dental chair for orthodontic treatment. These early experiences as a patient sparked his curiosity about dentistry from the other side of the chair.

What started as a high school job at his pediatric dentist's office blossomed into a mentorship that would shape his future. Working initially at the front desk, he progressed to sterilization technician and eventually became a radiology-certified dental assistant, all while observing the meaningful patient connections his mentors formed on a daily basis. This early experience culminated in a touching full-circle moment when his pediatric dentist hooded him at his dental school graduation.

A proud recipient of the prestigious Banneker/Key Scholarship, Dr. Duarte graduated from Oakland Mills High School before earning his biology degree from the University of Maryland at College Park. He continued his education at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, where he was recognized with the Dean's Community Service Award, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Recognition Award, and membership in the Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honor Society. He then completed a one-year residency in Advanced General Dentistry through NYU Langone.

With a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Duarte particularly enjoys guided implant surgery and appreciates how modern technology allows for precise planning and execution that improves patient outcomes. Dr. Duarte maintains active memberships in the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and Triple Crown Study Club. He is both CBCT and Invisalign Certified, bringing advanced skills to the practice's comprehensive offerings.

When he's not caring for patients, Dr. Duarte loves spending time with his wife Claire, their children Brooke and Grant, and their soft-coated wheaten terrier, Ryleigh. Family adventures and trying new restaurants are always at the top of their weekend plans.