School of Dentistry patient overjoyed

It was October, 2014, and Larry Merrick stood at a crossroads. Behind him were long months of enduring dental problems – tooth deterioration and loss, and almost constant discomfort. Ahead lay fear of the unknown, but perhaps his only chance at relief.

Merrick made his choice, walked through the doors of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry, and got his life back.

Up to that point, Merrick had considered good oral health a luxury he could not afford. Just past middle age, Merrick lives in Kansas City, KS, and walks to work at a neighborhood grocery store. Although he had lived with oral disease for a long while, he had no dental insurance and not much disposable income.

As the situation worsened, he turned to Kansas City Care Clinic, a charitable clinic providing access to funds for more complex health needs, access to treatment, and transportation. They referred Merrick to the UMKC School of Dentistry, helped him with the paperwork to qualify for funding the cost of treatment there, and arranged for his rides with volunteer drivers Barbara and Joe.

After his initial screening, Merrick’s case was reviewed by Liam Smyth, Class of 2016, a 4th year student doctor in Team 2. Smyth presented his findings to Dr. John W. Rapley, D.D.S., M.S., periodontist and chair of the periodontics department, and Dr. Cynthia S. Petrie, D.D.S., M.S., prosthodontist and chair of restorative clinical sciences. The three discussed Merrick’s treatment options and, based on his X-rays, consulted with him about proceeding with full dentures.

Merrick was then scheduled for consultations in the oral surgery department, and the extraction procedures were explained. His case was assigned to TJ Bunnell and Myles Davidson, two honors students now graduated from UMKC and enrolled in oral surgery residency programs. At this point, Merrick’s earlier anxiety gave way to excitement when he realized what a difference these dentures would make to his overall health and appearance.

“I’m blessed,” Merrick said. “They took me without insurance, and were as honest and gentle with me as they could be. I love them all.”

As his surgeries and healing periods stretched over weeks and then months, Merrick’s admiration for the Dental School students and faculty grew. It was not uncommon for Merrick to arrive with flowers and pastries he had baked himself.

“He may have been apprehensive before coming to the school,” Smyth said, “but by the time I saw him he was dead set on a new smile. I could tell at our first appointment that he was nervous, so I tried to make him feel as comfortable as possible. I made sure he understood that the most important fact was that he had come to the school and was taking the right steps.  He was very easy to work with and understanding of any bumps that occurred along the road. An attitude like Merrick’s is what really helps with success in a case like this.”

Merrick had some healing issues that required several return visits for more oral surgery. After that, Smyth presented his case to Eric Gottman, D.D.S., prosthodontist and Team 2 coordinator, and they began fabricating the dentures.

By early August, 2015, Dr. Gottman and Smyth brought Merrick in to fit the dentures. This visit would involve a try-in and possible adjustments. Merrick’s treatment was nearing an end.

In his conversations at the Dental School, Merrick often says, “I wish I had a million dollars. I’d give every penny to them.”

Students and the Dental School staff say Merrick has already given them a much greater gift. Merrick’s picture says it all.