Dr. Phyllis Gina Merlino

Dr. Merlino is a native of, and still resides in Staten Island, New York. She graduated from Susan E. Wagner High School in 1986 and then earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from New York University College of Arts and Science, Manhattan, in 1990. From there, she went onto New York University's College of Dentistry and earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1994. After graduating dental school, she successfully completed a one-year general practice residency at Staten Island University Hospital. Dr. Merlino then went on to practice in Staten Island for two years as a General Dentist. It was during this time that Dr. Merlino decided to specialize in pediatrics. She attended and graduated from a two-year specialty training residency program at Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center, Brooklyn, in June of 1999. Within six months of receiving her specialty certificate, Dr. Merlino started her own private practice limited to Pediatric Dentistry, and remains in that location today. Dr. Merlino is board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a division of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Merlino is a member of the Attending Staff in Pediatric Dentistry in the Department of Dentistry at Staten Island University Hospital. She spends time at the Hospital in the capacity of teaching the residents in the Dental Clinic and in the Operating Room while the patients are under general anesthesia. She is also the Pediatric Dentist on the Cleft Lip and Palate Team of Staten Island University Hospital and treats many children with oral and facial deformities. Dr. Merlino is a proud member of many area dental organizations. She is a past president and an active member of the Richmond County Dental Society, past president and an active member of the Italian Dental Society of New York, a member of the American College of Dentists (an ethical society with membership by invitation only), a member of the International College of Dentists (a service-above-self society with membership by invitation only), a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Society of Dentistry for Children, the American Dental Society, the New York State Dental Association, and the Second District Dental Society. Within the Second District Dental Society she is a member of the Children's Dental Health Committee and Ethics Committee. Dr. Merlino is very involved on a local level with Children's Dental Health Month. She visits many schools throughout the school year to educate children on the importance of good dental hygiene and how their diet can effect the health of their teeth.