A lifelong resident of New Jersey, Dr. James Occhipinti was born in Rahway and grew up in Princeton Junction. Having graduated West Windsor-Plainsboro High School, James enrolled in Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Following completion of his courses at Dickinson, Dr. Occhipinti enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, located in Philadelphia. Dr. Occhipinti completed his Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 1993.
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Dr. Occhipinti joined Dr. Allen Levine, DMD at Rahway Dental Group in 1993 and became a partner in 1994. In 1997, James also joined the Dental Division of Robert Wood Johnson Hospital @ Rahway and currently sits as Vice-Chair of the Dental Division. Active in community outreach, Dr. Occhipinti began his career focusing on the needs of others. He participated in the treatment of patients at an AIDS Hospice located in New York City, where he assisted the terminally ill with pro bono emergency dental care. With a heart for orphaned and abandoned children, Dr. Occhipinti further went on to establish and volunteer at a dental clinic and orphanage in Criscior, Romania in 2002 & 2003. From 2008 until 2016, Dr. Occhipinti volunteered as a mentor for Urban Impact. In 2011, Dr. Occhipinti helped to establish a dental clinic in association with the Zarephath Health Center, where he continues to serve. With a heart for adoption and foster care, Dr. Occhipinti is a founder of Miriam's Heart - a local non-profit that serves adoptive and foster children and their families.
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Dr. Occhipinti is a member of American Dental Association, New Jersey Dental Association, Union County Dental Society, and the Academy of General Dentistry. James is also a member of the esteemed Seattle Study Club for continuing education in dentistry. Recently named a NJ Top Dentist for 2015; Dr. Occhipinti was honored as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry in 2017. In 2018, Dr. Occhipinti opened South Bound Brook Dental, offering excellent dental care closer to home in Somerset County. And in 2019, Dr. Levine retired and selected Dr. Occhipinti, his longtime partner to continue to lead Rahway Dental Group.
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James and his wife Elizabeth, along with their 5 children, live in Somerset county, New Jersey.