Robert L. Merrill, DDS PA

Originally from nearby Brevard, Dr. Merrill attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he earned a degree in Chemistry with Honors. He continued his post-graduate studies at The UNC School of Dentistry, completing his DDS in 1981. Dr. Merrill has been practicing in Asheville for over 30 years and continues to pursue his passion of providing quality dental care in a relaxed and friendly setting. In 1990 Dr. Merrill was awarded a Fellowship in the Academy Of General Dentistry . He has continued to keep abreast of the most recent knowledge and treatment techniques through educational classes as well as a local dental study club. Dr. Merrill is a member of the American Dental Association as well as the First District and the Buncombe County Dental Societies. He served as President of the latter in 1993.

Dr. Merrill and his wife, Lee, have three children. Chris (NCSU '08), Jacqui (UNC-CH '11) and Jessica (UNC-CH '12) all live in the Triangle area of the state. The Merrills enjoy most outdoor activities including boating, hiking, snow skiing and tennis. Dr. Merrill is very passionate about his UNC Tarheels, especially during basketball season!

Angie Stafford, Office Manager

A Canton native, Angie has worked with Dr. Merrill since 1985. She began her employment as a dental assistant receiving her certification in 1987. After assisting chairside for several years, she assumed administrative duties. Angie is a graduate of Haywood Community College with a Business Administration degree and she served as President of Phi Theta Kappa.

Angie and her husband, Wayne, reside in Old Fort. They are parents to four sons and three grandchildren. Their family extends from North Carolina to Alaska.

Angie is active with the children’s ministry at Biltmore Baptist Church as well as her ladies prayer group. She enjoys traveling, the beach, hiking, walking and reading.

Lynn Allen, Clinical Assistant

Lynn, who has been with Dr. Merrill since 1989, is a native of Asheville. She is an avid hiker with an immense love for outdoor activities. She enjoys spending some of her free time helping with “Meals on Wheels” (they are always looking for volunteers).

Lynn enjoys working with patients to achieve a healthy smile. Her gentle touch helps many patients who are apprehensive about treatment.

Daniel, Lynn’s son, is a 2nd class petty officer in the US Navy. Currently he is stationed in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Lauren Wall RDH, Hygienist

Almost a native of Asheville, Lauren grew up in Weaverville and graduated from Appalachian State. Later she attended AB Tech and received her Associates Degree in dental hygiene, making the deans list all semesters. She has enjoyed working for Dr. Merrill since 1998, providing gentle and thorough hygiene care to all her patients. She often volunteers in the N.C. Baptist Men’s traveling dental bus.

Lauren loves many outdoor activities and her vegetable garden especially brings her great satisfaction. She hikes often, looking for wildflowers, birds and other wildlife that excites her. She loves to water ski and snow ski and trying other activities that come her way.

Lauren is married to Warren Wall and they share an energetic, loyal golden retriever named Kippy. They both love to travel and spend time with friends.

Debbie Gleeson, Clinical Assistant

Originally from New Jersey, Debbie attended Bergen Community College in Hackensack, New Jersey where she graduated as a dental assistant in 1981. Debbie has been in the dental field since that time and enjoys working with Dr. Merrill in taking care of the patients. Debbie has been a part of our team since 1999. She continues to keep up her certification and knowledge of new techniques with continuing education each year.

Debbie and her family relocated to Asheville in 1989. She and her husband, Dan, have four children. Their two oldest daughters, Marissa and Danielle are married and have two children each. Jillian (15) is a sophomore at Asheville High and Daniel (13) attends Asheville Middle School.

Debbie and her family enjoy sports, hiking, camping and most outside activities.

Lydia Cox RDH, Hygienist

Lydia was born in and still resides in Leicester. After completing high school at Clyde A. Erwin, she graduated from Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College with a degree in dental hygiene in 2002.

Lydia takes great satisfaction in helping her patients establish and maintain good dental health. She has been with our staff since 2002.

Lydia and her husband, Jeremy, have one daughter, Anna (born October 2009). The Cox family enjoys their involvement in the church in their community. Both Lydia and her husband appreciate music and love sports.

Pam Davis-Turbyfill, Appointment Coordinator

An Asheville native, Pam graduated from Erwin High School and attended AB Tech studying Business Administration. She has spent the last 8 ½ years in dental practice administration and has been our appointment coordinator since 2008.

Pam is most likely the first friendly voice that you will hear when contacting our office. She enjoys the challenges of matching up our practice’s schedule with those of our busy patients. Pam and her husband, Chris, live in Leicester. They have 3 sons-Adam, Mason and Bryce. She loves spending any extra time with her family.