Retirement
Dear Patients, Colleagues, and Friends,
It is with both excitement and some tears that I am writing to share the news of my retirement.
After 38 amazing years in dentistry—4 years as a dental hygienist and 34 years practicing as a dentist—it is time for me to begin a new chapter in life.
I look forward to more time with my family, more travel, and more opportunities to volunteer here and in Guatemala. I have been blessed beyond measure with an incredible career. My dental practice has been more than a workplace..it has been a family to me.
I am deeply grateful for the privilege of caring for you and your families. Along the way, I have been honored to form many lasting friendships that I will always treasure. I thank you for your trust, your loyalty and kindness and for allowing me to be part of your lives..
Many of you have already had the opportunity to meet and work with my associate, Dr. Merissa Richter. I am excited that she will be taking over my practice .
I can retire knowing she will continue my tradition of excellence in dentistry and personalized care. Dr. Merissa is a gifted dentist whose values, compassion, and dedication to continuing education mirror my own. She is passionate about bringing new technologies and techniques into the practice to further benefit our patients.
It didn’t take long before I knew that she was a great fit for our office—not only because of her professional skills but also for her warmth, love of people (and animals!!)
Dr. Merissa earned undergraduate degrees in Physiology and Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota, where she also received her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She then completed a rigorous General Practice Residency at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, where she gained advanced training in all dental specialties, including treating medically complex patients, IV sedation, operating room dentistry, and special needs care. She is an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Minnesota Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Spear Study Club.
She and her husband, Mat, live in Plymouth and are the proud parents of their beautiful baby girl, Leighton. Their family also includes two dogs, and their cat, Charlotte.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my colleagues, specialists, and laboratory technicians—and most especially to my dedicated team who work with me every day. Their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment have made it possible to deliver the very best care . I have always believed that when you surround yourself with people who care and want to be the best..it changes everything. Together we have helped to keep you healthy……and along the way have created many, beautiful smiles. I could not have wished for a better group of people to share this journey with, and I know they will continue to serve you with the same excellence you have come to expect. Without each of them—past and present—I could never have built the practice of my dreams.
I will remain to assist with the transition however I can…
After that, I will join you as a patient myself—confident that all of us will be in the best hands with Dr. Merissa and the team.
To all of you—my patients, colleagues, and friends—thank you from the bottom of my heart for your loyalty, trust, and friendship over the years. It has been my greatest honor to serve you. I leave with both excitement , and sadness…but with so much pride and gratitude.
Dr. Nancy