herlife spotlightMerry DentalCare CenterBy Ann e. ButenasPhotos byTamara crewsImagine looking forward togoing to the dentist! Whilemany people make up a host ofexcuses to avoid a dental visit, when youare a patient of Dr. Jean Merry, you willprobably find yourself excited to be there.Why? Well, for starters, uponentering Merry Dental Care Centerat 7460 Market Place Drive in EdenPrairie, you will be embraced by a warm,relaxing and comfortable environment.“In actuality, our office presents more ofa spa ambiance as opposed to a medicaloffice feeling,” said Marissa Ray, OfficeManager.for Dr. Merry, her calling into thisprofession exemplifies her true dedicationto the service of others. Her underlyingphilosophy, shared by the entirestaff, is simple yet long-lasting. Basedupon a fortune cookie proverb: “Act withkindness. People return with good to theplace that has done them well.”no matter what dental services you12 <strong>HER</strong><strong>LIFE</strong>magazine.commight require from Dr. Merry, you can beassured that you will be treated with theutmost in courtesy and respect. You arenot just a patient, but a friend. It is notunusual for patients and staff members toshare stories, a good laugh and anecdotesof inspiration. In fact, you will probablyforget you are even at the dentist’s office!“Most patients feel very relaxed dueto the environment of the office,” notedMarissa. “We are intentional not to givethe essence of a typical dental office. Wedo not look, sound or smell like a typicaldental office.”of course, Dr. Merry brings a wealthof education and experience to the equation.A 1984 graduate of the Universityof Minnesota, she assumed a full-timefaculty position there for seven years,worked in the clinical research center,did HIV/AIDS research and pursuedadvanced training in Public Health. Shehas worked as a fraud investigator forinsurance companies, provided clinicalcare in the student health service at theUniversity of Minnesota, and has taughtanesthesia and pharmacology in dental“In actuality, ouroffice presentsmore of a spaambiance asopposed to amedical officefeeling.”hygiene programs.additionally, Dr. Merry is a memberof the Academy for Sports Dentistry,donates dental services to Olympic
athletes and serves as the dental provider for the MinnesotaVikings.although she serves patients of all ages, Dr. Merrygenuinely enjoys the interactions she has with children. A momto four grown children with two granddaughters, Dr. Merry hasalso opened up her heart and her home to 23 foster childrenthroughout the years. A true giver, she frequently volunteers inher church nursery and has worked extensively with disadvantagedteens.educating not only her patients on proper dental care,such as regular brushing, flossing and routine visits to thedentist, Dr. Merry also keeps herself on the cutting edge ofeducation, staying continually abreast of the latest researchin prevention. “We apply that knowledge to each individualpatient and their specific concerns,” said Dr. Merry. “We arenot a ‘one-size-fits-all’ provider. We take the time to inform ourpatients of their situation and teach them the facts that will helpimprove their overall oral health.”With a distinguished background in teaching the disciplinesof diagnosis, pharmacology and oral medicine, Dr. Merryis keenly aware of the connections between systemic health andthe mouth. An example of this is the effects of anti depressantmedications. According to Dr. Merry, recent research indicatesthat many such drugs, also known as SSRIs, can trigger clenchingand grinding of the teeth that can result in appreciabledamage. For patients who are on a regimen of antidepressants,she will work with them to find the best protective optionsavailable.in addition to the general dentistry services she offers, Dr.Merry provides cosmetic services, as well. “We offer in-officebleaching using the Boost! system, as well as take-home trays,”said Marissa. “Dr. Merry is also certified in the use of Lumineerscosmetic veneers and other veneer options. Orthodonticstreatments such as Invisalign and Clear Correct clear alignertherapy are also available in our office.”so, if your calendar suggests it’s time for the next dentalexam, do your smile a favor and make an appointment with adentist who’s all heart. Dr. Merry’s personal mission statementis reflected in the Bible verse Micah 6:8; “What does the Lordrequire of you? Do justice, offer kindness, and walk humblywith God.” This mission is reflected in her personal andprofessional life through the way she treats people, her patientsand staff.You are not just a patient,but a friend.“This is not only a happy place to work, but a happy placefor our patients, as well,” smiled Marissa.For more information, visit Dr. Merry and her incrediblestaff on the web at www.merrydentalcarecenter.com. You mayalso call them at 952-942-0808.Through her relationship with the Minnesota Vikings, Dr. Merry has gotten to knowthe players, their wives and families.Pictured from left to right: Jayme Robison, Eimy Frampton, Jenni Greenway, Dr. Jean Merry, Tasha Williams,Erniece Winfield, Landyn Hutchinson.<strong>HER</strong><strong>LIFE</strong>magazine.com 13 13