SLUCare Physician Group
Richard Vargo, DMD
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

Dr. Richard J. Vargo specializes in clinical oral and maxillofacial pathology. He offers diagnosis and management of oral diseases, including mouth sores and inflammation, soft tissue growths, yeast and fungal infections, diminished saliva production and dry mouth, and precancerous lesions. He performs soft tissue biopsies, steroid therapy for oral ulcers and inflammatory conditions, and oral cancer screenings.
Dr. Vargo's research interests include oral ulcers, non-invasive detection of oral cancer, dental abnormalities, oral manifestations of HIV and syphilis, and oral effects of cannabis use.
Dr. Vargo is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He also serves in the Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermatopathology, Oral Biopsy Service.
His professional memberships include: American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Oral Medicine, International College of Dentists, Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, North American Society of Head and Neck Pathology, American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, and Greater St. Louis Dental Society.
Dr. Vargo's research interests include oral ulcers, non-invasive detection of oral cancer, dental abnormalities, oral manifestations of HIV and syphilis, and oral effects of cannabis use.
Dr. Vargo is an adjunct assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. He also serves in the Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermatopathology, Oral Biopsy Service.
His professional memberships include: American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, American Academy of Oral Medicine, International College of Dentists, Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society, North American Society of Head and Neck Pathology, American Dental Association, Missouri Dental Association, and Greater St. Louis Dental Society.
About Me
Specialties
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Gender
Male
Education
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center
Residency, 2018
Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville
Master of Business Administration, 2022
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Medical School, 2015
Hospital Affiliations
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
Certifications
American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Drug Enforcement Administration
Missouri Dept of Health/Narcotics&Dangerous Drugs
Missouri State Board of Registration
Medical Interests
Oral cancer
Soft tissue tumors
Fungal infections
Yeast infections
Reviews
Rating Breakdown
Reviews are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score.
Question Breakdown
4.9Overall Experience4.9Listened Carefully4.8Explained Things Clearly4.7Knew Medical History4.9Involved in Care Decisions4.9Showed Courtesy & Respect
Patient Reviews
SSM Health only displays patient satisfaction data for providers included in our survey process and who have a minimum of 30 returned surveys. The overall rating is an average of all responses to the survey questions listed below. The ratings and comments submitted by patients reflect their own views and opinions. Patient identities are withheld to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Learn more about our survey.
4.8 out of 5
110 ratings,
52 reviews
6/24/2026
I was very impressed with his knowledge and thoroughness. He correctly diagnosed my mouth/tongue issue and it is no longer a problem. I would not hesitate to recommend him to others.
6/24/2026
He cares about his patients.
6/19/2026
Doctor vargo really knows what he is doing answer all my questions
6/10/2026
He asked more questions about my symptoms and history than a typical provider. He was great!
6/5/2026
He’s easy to talk to, explains condition and treatment instructions clearly and I left with the feeling I would be able to clear up my condition properly.
Map & Directions
SLUCare Physician Group
1225 S. Grand Blvd.St. Louis, MO 63104
Mon
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Tue
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Wed
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Thu
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri
8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Sat
Closed
Sun
Closed
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