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.

Why should patients choose you as their provider instead of others in the area?

Founded in January of 2000, the office of Dr. Merlino caters specifically to children. From our child-sized entrance door into our child-friendly waiting room, children can feel at ease from the moment they walk into the office. We specialize in providing care for children, adolescents and those who have special healthcare and developmental needs. Even our dental operatories are equipped with child-sized dental chairs, parent chairs and a small "visitor" chair for those siblings who want to stay with us. Our office is a modern state-of-the-art facility. It is a great place for a young child's first dental visit or for any needed dental treatment.

What are the top 3 treatments that you focus on?

The pediatric specialty practice office of Dr. Merlino is equipped to treat patients whether it be for a first-time visit, a regular check-up, or extensive dental treatment. Sedation dentistry can also be arranged with our board certified Dental Anesthesiologist.

What are you proud of in your practice?

I believe that we are most proud of the fact that we are a small, family-like practice. We pride ourselves on the personal attention that we give to each patient and family.

Which cases do you enjoy treating? Why?

I enjoy treating children! So if it is a first visit, a regular check-up or an involved cosmetic or restorative case, I am just happy to know that I have used the tools that I have learned through my specialty training to make a difference in a child's life.