Dr. Merchant received her DDS degree at The University of Texas, Houston in 1996. She briefly practiced in Lake Jackson Texas before relocating to Tucson in early 1997 after meeting her husband. She has been practicing dentistry in Tucson since.
For over 25 years, Dr. Merchant has been providing high-quality comprehensive care for thousands of patients who can attest to her focus, diligence, and genuine passion for dentistry. Each patient is given undivided attention at every visit with in-depth conversation to understand their concerns regarding orofacial pain, sleep and breathing,TMJ, orthodontic, restorative and cosmetic dental care. She has participated in dental mission trips to India as well as to Guatemala. She has received awards for her work on fixed prosthodontics techniques.
Her hobbies include cycling, swimming, running, cooking and reading. Dr. Merchant and her husband have hiked in many beautiful parts of the world. She visits family in India and other parts of the US frequently.
Post Graduate Education and Training:
- Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM)
- Diplomate of the American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA)
- Ambassador of The Breathe Institute (TBI)
- Affiliate of The Breathe Institute (TBI). Trained with Dr. Zagi at TBI, Dr. Merchant is the only Surgical Affiliate of TBI for the state of Arizona.
Commitment to Continuing Eduction and Research:
Dr. Merchant is being awarded a Fellowship at the International College of Cranio Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO) in May 2025.
She will be speaking at the North American ICCMO conference in September 2025 on importance of addressing mid tongue restrictions when considering TMJ and Sleep related treatments in adults.
Dr. Merchant is one of three contributing dentists nationwide in a National Institute of Health (NIH)-funded study on how the relationship between Alzheimer's and sleep apnea affects patients when treated with either CPAP or dental devices.
She is also contributing to a study by Dr. Zaghi at The Breathe Institute, which gathers sleep tests before and after Functional Freneuloplasty in adult patients to determine its impact on sleep apnea and breathing difficulties.
She is a regular speaker at community outreach events such as the Dental Club at University of Arizona, Big Global Latch On and also does peer to peer patient case reviews with Gelb Institute.
As a liasion of American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry (AAPMD), Dr. Merchant and Cara Cooper (MFT) have initiated Tucson Airway Provider Study Club. This club unites airway and breathing professionals, including Myofunctional Therapists (MFTs), Chiropractors, Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs), Optometrists, Orthodontists, Integrative Medicine physicians, and Lactation consultants, to foster collaborative patient care.
Dr. Merchant's membership includes:
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)
- American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM)
- International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics (ICCMO)
- Surgical Affiliate of The Breathe Institute(TBI Affiliate)
- American Sleep and Breathing Academy (ASBA)
- American Academy of Craniofacial Pain (AACP)
- American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry (AAPMD)
- American Laser Study Club (ALSC)
- International Association of Orofacial Myology (IAOM)
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Southern Arizona Dental Society (SADS)
- Academy of General Dentistry (AGD)
