Dr. Petrarca completed his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry at Boston College in 1992, before earning his dental degree from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery in 1996. He then pursued advanced training in Pediatric Dentistry through a two-year residency at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC, where he had the honor of serving as chief resident in his second year.

In 1998, Dr. Petrarca returned to the Boston area and spent nearly five years practicing in a private pediatric dental office. He joined Children's Dental Associates in 2003, where he has been providing specialized care ever since. A committed member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Massachusetts Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association, Dr. Petrarca is also dedicated to education. He serves as a member of the Courtesy Teaching Staff at Boston Children's Hospital, mentoring pediatric dentistry residents while maintaining hospital privileges. In 2006, he achieved Diplomate status with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Petrarca resides in Waltham, Massachusetts, with his wife, Dr. Celeste Wilson, a pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.