Meet Dr. Merle Herbison (1944 - 2019)
IN MEMORIAM
We decided to leave this page intact in memory of Dr. Merle Herbison, who passed away in November 2019.
Merle Herbison DDS
Dentistry gives me a sense of purpose, because I know I’m able to help people to stop pain, restore chewing function, and improve smiles. I have many ways to make my patients happier and reduce their worries. I look forward to seeing my dental family members, and enjoy my work so very much!
Education
I grew up in this area, and graduated from Shoreline High School in 1962. I then attended Washington State University, where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Zoology in 1966. I then was drafted into the Army, where I was trained as a dental laboratory technician, making crowns and dentures until 1969. I also assisted Army dentists in most phases of dental care.
After my service in the Army, I attended the University of Washington School of Dentistry and obtained my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1973. While in dental school, I worked part time as a Seattle bus driver!
Continuing Education
Although I am grateful for my education, I know that dental school did not teach me everything I need to know. As part of my lifelong commitment to learning, I attend study clubs involving other practitioners and specialists to share knowledge, experience, and ideas. I have always far exceeded the minimum required hours for dental continuing education, and I am always interested in learning. After all, the more I know, the better I can serve my patients!
In the Office
There's never a day that goes by when I'm not able to help a person or solve a problem by talking to patients and applying my skills. At this point in my career, I see generations of patients and meet new people who bring something new to the practice. It's interesting every day, and new technologies allow levels of care unavailable when I graduated from dental school.
My patients often come in and joke about stuff with me, which I love! I enjoy hearing about their families, adventures, and travels. I appreciate that some of them continue to travel great distances to see me, because I enjoy seeing them. I’ve been practicing for 33 years in Bothell and truly love this growing community.
Our office is a unique combination of experience, innovation, and enthusiasm. We take the time to talk to patients to find out what is important to them, and work on long-term plans to keep their teeth for a lifetime. We treat every patient that comes in as a member of our own family, because they are.
Family and Community
I grew up in Seattle and have lived in Bothell for 25 years. My wife, Connie, and I have two wonderful sons, Blake and Bennet. We also have two dogs at home named Liza and Brazil. In my spare time, I enjoy playing golf and taking driving trips through the back roads of the Pacific Northwest.
I am active in our community and spent ten years in coaching and board leadership positions for local youth baseball and basketball leagues. I was even the volunteer of the year for Northshore Little League in 1993! I also spent several years as a volunteer clinical instructor at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Our practice has consistently supported charities and fundraising efforts involved with helping people in need.
