Mon - Thurs: 8:00AM - 5PM | Lunch 1-2 | Fri: 8:00AM - 1PM | Weekends: Closed

Meet the Doctors

Ryan Emerson

DMD

Originally from Perry Georgia, Dr. Emerson graduated from the University of Georgia and received his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Medical College of Georgia.  He has been practicing with North Rivers Dental Associates since 2007 and is continuing his education in specialties including full mouth rehabilitation, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics and implant restoration.

Dr. Emerson participates in several local study groups to collaborate, share concepts and his experiences with his peers.  He also volunteers his time and talents at East Cooper Outreach Dental Clinic.

Aside from dentistry, Dr. Emerson enjoys spending time with his wife Jennie and their 3 beautiful children.  In his spare time, he enjoys fishing, golfing, gardening and hunting.  Dr. Emerson provides the best dentistry in a friendly and relaxing environment.

Brian Jaques

DMD

Dr. Brian Jaques was born and raised in Bowman, SC, and is proud to call the “Lowcountry” his home. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Clemson University in 2007, Dr. Jaques attended the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston to pursue his passion for dentistry. He received his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 2013.

Following dental school, Dr. Jaques completed a one-year residency where he earned certification for Advanced Education in General Dentistry from the University of Florida in St. Petersburg, FL. During this residency, he received in-depth training in full mouth dentistry, implants, cosmetics, sedation, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Jaques was honored to train at The Dawson Academy, where he earned his Fellowship from the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. Dr. Jaques is committed to providing high-quality dental care and forging lasting relationships with his patients. He is married to Susanne and they have two children, Henry and Alice.

Riley Cates

DMD

Dr. Cates is a Georgia native who graduated from Tift County High School in Tifton and attended Middle Georgia College. Later, he graduated from the University of Georgia and attained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree at the Medical College of Georgia.

Cates is a proud founder of dental practices in Macon, Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, and throughout North Charleston, South Carolina. In doing so, he perfected his skills with an array of general dentistry disciplines. By attending continuing education courses, Dr. Cates is always updated with the newest procedures and technologies available to his patients.

Dr. Cates is an active member of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church, where he participates in their Medical Mission program. He is a member of the South Carolina Dental Association and the American Dental Association. He is also a member of the Hibernian Society of Charleston and a former member of the Executive Committee of the Coastal Council of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). He continues to be a strong supporter of the Eagle Scout program within BSA.

In his spare time, Dr. Cates enjoys spending time with his family—his wife, Paula and daughter, Abby. He also enjoys skiing, sailing, and golfing. After 35 years of treating patients, Dr. Cates is firmly centered on meeting the dental needs of his patients to ensure their continued dental health.

Dr. Valerie Mooney

Dr. Valerie Mooney recently moved to Charleston but originally hails from Asheville, North Carolina. She completed her undergraduate education at UNC Chapel Hill and dental school at East Carolina School of Dental Medicine. Her biggest delight outside of dentistry is her German Shorthaired Pointer puppy, Hazel. They can be found nearly every weekend on Sullivan’s Island playing in the sand and surf. Dr. Mooney is thrilled to be joining the team at North Rivers Dental and can’t wait to help people smile.

Hear It From Them

See what our patients have to say about the level of care you can expect from North Rivers Dental Associates.

Kelley, cleaned my teeth in my visit today, and she was very courteous, funny, professional and helpful.

Mona T.
10/23/2019

I have been going to Dr Emerson at North Rivers Dental for years now and every time I go I never had a bad experience.

Cynthia D.
10/8/2019

Excellent service. All staff members are very polite and friendly while being professional at the same time. Always greeted byname makes you feel very special.

Dennis S.
10/21/2019

I have been going to Dr Emerson at North Rivers Dental for years now and every time I go I never had a bad experience. Thank you all!

Cynthia D.
10/18/2019

I have been going to North Rivers for 10+ years, I have always received excellent care, the staff is helpful and very friendly.

Glenn J.
10/28/2019

Dr Cates is exceptionally talented in the dental profession. Everyone at North Rivers Dental are so helpful and friendly.

James T.
09/09/2019

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