Get to know our team
Phyllis G. Merlino, D.D.S.
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 Pediatric Dentistry. 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 Dental Medicine 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 was honored to be oneof the few to be presented with the Dr. Alfonso J. Fressola Humanitarian Award by the Staten Island University Hospital Department of Dental Medicine. This award is given to an attending dentist who is "a member of the profession and has demonstrated empathy and compassion for patients and has a devotion to young professionals and a dedication to the profession".
Most recently, Dr. Merlino was the recipient of the Richmond County Dental Society's Lifetime Achievement Award - an honor bestowed to a member of the Staten Island Dental Community who has served and continues to be a strong part of the organization through leadership and volunteerism.
Dr. Merlino is a proud member of many area dental organizations. She is a past-president and an active board member of the Richmond County Dental Society, an executive board member of the Second District 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 Association, 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.
Meet the Staff
Dolores
Camille P.
Camille P.
Dolores has been working with Dr. Merlino as a Dental Hygienist since September of 2004. Dolores brings with her 28 years of pediatric dental specialty office experience!
Dolores started working with a Pediatric Dentist while she was in high school as a front desk receptionist and dental assistant. Dolores is a graduate of FDR High School in Brooklyn and received her Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene in June of 2001 from the Hostos Community College (CUNY) in the Bronx. Dolores is a warm and friendly person and has a special way of treating her patients to make them feel as comfortable as possible. Dolores is a mother of three and she brings much of her experience as a mother to the dental visit.
Camille P.
Camille P.
Camille P.
Camille has over 32 years of Dental Hygiene experience, and she has been working as a Dental Hygienist at our office since March of 2006.
Camille has a warm and inviting smile and a love for children and good oral health. Her personality is friendly and inviting. She truly enjoys being a hygienist in a pediatric practice.
Camille takes pride in educating patients on how their oral health is a gateway to their overall health. Her humor and kindness are refreshing to patients and staff alike. Patients often compliment her on her kind touch and attention to care.
Kristin
Camille P.
Kristin
Kristin is a native Staten Islander, a graduate of St. Joseph by the Sea High School and a 1993 graduate of NYC Technical College with a degree in Dental Hygiene. She is a fantastic hygienist and loves her job!
We first met Kristin as a parent of a patient and we were happy when she decided to join our team in 2016. As a mother of three boys, Kristin brings a lot of experience with children to the dental visit as well as lots of enthusiasm about teaching good oral hygiene habits. Kristin is the perfect asset to our team and has been giving superior oral care for 30 years. She is a team player and believes that educating people is the most important step in helping them achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful teeth.
Anne
Theresa
Kristin
Anne was born and raised in Staten Island and is a graduate of New Dorp High School and the Wood Secretarial School.
Although Anne has many years of experience as a Legal Assistant and Front Desk Receptionist, this is her first time working in a dental office and she LOVES it.
Anne is one of the first people to welcome patients into our office and works hand in hand to ensure that all appointments are scheduled. Anne is the proud mother of her teenage son and enjoys greeting and interacting with all of the children and caregivers.
Theresa
Theresa
Theresa
Theresa joined our office team in 2019. She is a native Staten Islander who has brought with her over 32 years of experience in both the front and back ends of the dental office.
Theresa coordinates all insurance claims to help families understand and take full advantage of their dental benefits to achieve healthy and happy smiles. She also handles accounts receivable along with all other tasks as needed. Theresa is a fantastic team member and a great addition to the front desk. She is the mother of 2 young adults and shares that role as she loves to chat with the children as they come in and, on the way out too.
Heather
Theresa
Theresa
Heather is a 2019 graduate of Tottenville High School and while there she spent 3 years as a member of their renowned Dental Program. She has been working with us as a dental assistant since 2018. Nervous and new to the field of dentistry, Heather took the opportunity to gain experience and “learn the ropes” from her mother, one of our Hygienists, Dolores and Dr. Merlino. The field of dentistry became her passion and she is now a student at New York City College of Technology studying to obtain a degree in Dental Hygiene. Heather truly enjoys working with patients and her personality and smile brings a bright, fun atmosphere to the office.
Monica
Monica
Monica
Monica joined our practice in January of 2019. She completed the Dental Assistant Training Program at St. Paul’s School of Nursing.
Monica truly loves working in dentistry and has a heart for patient care. She enjoys constantly learning and improving her skills and is passionate about providing quality gentle care and is great at putting nervous patients at ease. Her attention to detail is an asset to the office. Monica enjoys all types of dentistry and takes pride in providing the best care possible to our patients.
When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with her three sons. Monica is a hard-working and sweet team player who has a way of making the patients feel special from the beginning to the end of their appointment.
Deb
Monica
Monica
Deb has been in the dental field for over 25 years and loves interacting with the patients. She is a graduate of the College of Staten Island/Staten Island University Hospital Dental Assistant training program. She enjoys working in a pediatric specialty office. From her first day here as a dental assistant, she was interested in learning all about the office and fit right in. Deb is a mother of two, so she brings that experience and understanding of children with her to make the patients feel comfortable and confident. She takes pride in educating patients on their oral health. Her humor and kindness are refreshing to patients, parents and staff alike!
Dr. Merlino is a member of:
