Dr. Steven Merchant, a native of Southern California, attended Northwestern University School of Dentistry in Chicago.  He has over 10 years of experience in endodontics, and 15 years in dentistry.  His professional experience includes practicing general dentistry in private practice, public health and at a Veterans' Affairs hospital.  He has also served as a part-time clinical instructor at the UCLA School of Dentistry while in general practice.  He completed specialty training in endodontics at the Long Beach Veterans' Affairs Medical Center in 2005.  

Dr. Merchant is a founding fellow of the International Academy of Endodontics.  In addition, he founded and led the North County San Diego Dental Study Group between 2010 and 2013.  He has lectured on topics including endodontic diagnosis, endodontic prognosis, improving endodontic outcomes with the surgical operating microscope and utilization of cone beam computed tomography in endodontics.  

Dr. Merchant is a member of the San Diego County Dental Society, California Dental Association and the American Dental Association.   He was awarded the American Association of Public Health Dentistry - Community Dentistry and Dental Public Health Award, AADS Warner-Lambert Preventive Dentistry Award, the Donna Roberts Olsen People's Clinic Award, the Arm & Hammer - Dental Care Award, the American College of Dentists Outstanding Leader Award and the Pierre Fauchard Academy Annual Award.  He was elected membership into Omicron Kappa Upsilon, a national dental honor society.

Dr. Merchant is a board member and supporter of the Sean O'shea Foundation.  The Sean O'shea Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to help youth develop life skills that support them to take responsibility for their life, develop respect from themselves and others, and have confidence in their own potential.  www.seanosheafoundation.org

When Dr. Merchant is not caring for patients, he is spending time with his family Kim, Cayden and Makayla.  Together they especially enjoy traveling, RV camping and yoga.   

Sarah, our Patient Care and Financial Coordinator, has joined us to further enhance the quality of your experience at our office.  She and her husband live locally with their two children and two boxers.  Sarah is very athletic and swimming is her favorite sport.
 
Her prior training and experience gives her a strong foundation to best serve your needs and facilitate a positive experience with us.  Sarah is friendly and has a genuinely compassionate demeanor will put you at ease when you visit us.  It is a pleasure having Sarah on our team. 

Araceli is our lead dental assistant. Araceli is an expert at assisting Dr. Merchant while utilizing the operating microscope.  Araceli strives to provide the most comfortable and efficient treatment experience possible.  In her free time, Araceli, enjoys spending time with family and friends and enjoying our California weather.

Kerry is the newest member of our dental team. Professionally, her purpose and passion is to help improve the lives of each and every one of her patients by providing the best possible care. In her free time, Kerry enjoys spending time with family, friends and taking care of her horses.