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Our Dentists
Meet Matt Merfeld
Dr. Merfeld was born and raised in Onalaska, WI. After college, he moved to Rochester to work as a lab technician at the Mayo Clinic in their Newborn Screening Lab. During that time, he began volunteering at the Salvation Army Good Samaritan Dental Clinic where he met Dr. Charlie Smith, the founder of Rochester Dental Clinic, and his passion for dentistry began.
He attended the University of Minnesota Dental School and practiced in Austin, MN. When Dr. Smith made the decision to retire, Dr. Merfeld was ecstatic to have the opportunity to come back and provide his patients with the same excellent care that the Rochester Dental Clinic has always provided. He enjoys educating patients on a tour of their mouth so they can have a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Dr. Merfeld is committed to providing the best possible care to his patients, which drives his dedication to lifelong learning and continuously improving the services he provides. In 2023, Dr. Merfeld earned his fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an achievement that signifies, not only a personal accomplishment, but also a dedication to excellence in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Merfeld and his wife, Ann, married in 2010 and feel blessed to have two beautiful daughters. On weekends, they enjoy spending time together and going on family walks. During the cold winter months, you can typically find him in his workshop restoring vintage pinball and arcade machines.
Meet Tate Dison
Dr. Tate Dison was born and raised in Rochester. He graduated from Century High School and then attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN where he graduated with a degree in Biology. After St. Thomas, Dr. Dison continued his education at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry.
Dr. Dison and his wife, Carissa, were married in July of 2018. Carissa also grew up in Rochester. Together they have a daughter named Emberly who was born in February 2021. They also have a small poodle/bichon mix named Reagan. Dr. Dison and his wife enjoy going for walks with Emberly and Reagan, hiking and exploring state and national parks, and trying new restaurants together. Dr. Dison is an avid Minnesota sports fan who would love to talk about the Vikings with you any time. He also loves playing sports himself including golf and basketball.
Dr. Dison is very grateful to be practicing dentistry in his hometown. He truly loves the community and is happy to be serving the people of Rochester and surrounding areas.
Meet Erich Eichwald
Dr. Erich Eichwald joined Rochester Dental Clinic in July of 2023. As a new team member, he is focused on upholding Rochester Dental’s long history of excellent service and culture. Dr. Eichwald’s focus as a clinician is centered on providing the highest standard of care combined with an empathetic and patient centered approach. He is looking forward to getting to know Rochester Dental’s patients and is honored to have the opportunity to serve as one of their dental providers.
Why did you decide to become a dentist?
Dr. Erich’s interest in dentistry started at a young age. For his 7th grade career class, he selected dentistry as his “Future Career” and gave a presentation on how he would one day become a dentist. He liked the combination of being a healthcare provider and working with his hands. His interest in dentistry not only continued, but after a college service trip to New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina relief his interest grew into a passion. During that trip he was deeply inspired by individuals who had gone above and beyond to help their community recover after the storm. Following this trip Dr. Erich viewed dentistry not only as a career, but as an opportunity to contribute to and improve his community. With this new perspective, Dr. Erich began to make service a priority in his life. During his time at Marquette University, he participated in, led, and organized seven service trips to New Orleans, Detroit, and Estelí Nicaragua. After each trip he became increasingly more certain that dentistry was his ideal career as it would allow him to combine his passions for service, healthcare, and improving his community.
Where did you study Dentistry:
Dr. Erich attended the University of Iowa College of Dentistry from 2016-2020. During that time, he was elected the Class Service Chair and was voted “Most likely to treat underserved populations” after graduating. He also was selected for the Dean’s Leadership Award and graduated with a distinction in Public Health. Following graduation, he was selected by the National Health Service Corps as a member of their Students to Service program. Through this program Dr. Erich worked at a non-profit clinic to increase access to dental treatment for underserved populations. Lifelong learning after dental school is a point of emphasis for Dr. Erich as well. To ensure that he continues to develop and improve as a dental provider he is a current member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Zumbro Valley Dental Society, and the Dawson Academy.
Outside of the Dental office what do you like to do
When Dr. Erich is not in the dental clinic, he likes to be outside and active. Whether running, skiing, rollerblading, hiking, or playing golf he’s happy as long as he’s outside. Travel has also become a major passion in Dr. Erich’s life. Together with friends and family he has traveled to 10 different countries since 2015 including Peru, Vietnam, Sweden and South Africa. When he’s home he enjoys spending quality time with his girlfriend and their Goldendoodle (Leon). Whenever possible he travels back to Illinois to spend time with his parents, sisters, and young niece and nephew.
Dental Assistants
Meet Kim
Kim is involved with Spear education and enjoys getting to know all of her patients.
Meet Tammy
Tammy and her husband Dave have been married for almost 40 years and have 2 children, Adam and Amber, and also have 3 grandchildren. When she’s not working she enjoys snowmobiling, hanging out with her grandchildren, and spending time with her horse that will be 32 years old.
Meet Jenna
Some of Jenna’s hobbies are hiking, camping, volleyball, and listening to podcasts.
Dental Hygienists
Meet Sheri
When Sheri isn’t working, she enjoys reading, watching movies, working out, snow shoeing, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. Sheri enjoys educating her patients on oral health and seeing positive results for her patients.
Meet Gretchen
Meet Jenna
Administration
Meet Lori
With over 15 years of dental experience, both clinical and administrative, Lori is able to work in all areas of Rochester Dental Clinic.
Lori lives in Oronoco with her husband, Brian, and their son Bryce.
When Lori isn’t working, you could find her cheering for the MN Twins and Vikings, boating, fishing, and spending time with her friends and family.
Meet Brandi
Some of Brandi’s hobbies include being a hockey and baseball mom, watching Gopher football, baking, and traveling.
Meet Connie
- Length of employment at Rochester Dental Clinic? Started in 10/5/21 (been in Dental field for over 45 years assisting and front desk.)
- Where are you from? Rural Zumbro Falls / Mazeppa area.
- What’s your favorite thing about working in the dental field? the patients, getting to know them and helping them with their dental needs.
- Favorite things to do outside of work? Scrapbooking, spending time with my husband Tom and daughter Calli and spending time with her cat “Tiger Lily” and her Siberian Husky “Cheyanne”. Also going to Twins games!
I started in dental assisting over 45 years ago. First as a licensed assistant and later working a combination of assisting and front desk. I’ve worked at Amethyst Dental Care for over 29 years with Dr. John Boeker and Dr. Dory Gardner.
Our Dentists
Meet Matt Merfeld
Dr. Merfeld was born and raised in Onalaska, WI. After college he moved to Rochester to work as a lab technician at Mayo Clinic in their Newborn Screening Lab. During that time he began volunteering at the Salvation Army Good Samaritan Dental Clinic where he met Dr. Charlie Smith, the founder of Rochester Dental Clinic, and his passion for dentistry began.
He attended University of Minnesota Dental School and practiced in Austin, MN. When Dr. Smith made the decision to retire he was ecstatic to have the opportunity to come back and provide his patients with the same excellent care that they received. He enjoys educating patients on a tour of their mouth so they can have a healthy, beautiful smile for a lifetime.
Dr. Merfeld and his wife, Ann, married in 2010 and feel blessed to have two beautiful girls. On weekends they enjoy spending time together and going on family walks. During the cold winter months, you can typically find him in his workshop restoring vintage pinball and arcade machines.
Meet Tate Dison
Dr. Dison and his wife, Carissa were married in July of 2018. Carissa also grew up in Rochester. They have a small poodle/bichon mix named Reagan. Dr. Dison and his wife enjoy going for walks with Reagan, hiking and exploring state and national parks, and trying new restaurants together. Dr. Dison is an avid Minnesota sports fan who would love to talk about the Vikings with you any time. He also loves playing sports himself including golf and basketball.
Dr. Dison is very grateful to be practicing dentistry in his hometown. He truly loves the community and is happy to be serving the people of Rochester and surrounding areas.
Meet Erich Eichwald
Why did you decide to become a dentist?
Dr. Erich’s interest in dentistry started at a young age. For his 7th grade career class, he selected dentistry as his “Future Career” and gave a presentation on how he would one day become a dentist. He liked the combination of being a healthcare provider and working with his hands. His interest in dentistry not only continued, but after a college service trip to New Orleans for Hurricane Katrina relief his interest grew into a passion. During that trip he was deeply inspired by individuals who had gone above and beyond to help their community recover after the storm. Following this trip Dr. Erich viewed dentistry not only as a career, but as an opportunity to contribute to and improve his community. With this new perspective, Dr. Erich began to make service a priority in his life. During his time at Marquette University, he participated in, led, and organized seven service trips to New Orleans, Detroit, and Estelí Nicaragua. After each trip he became increasingly more certain that dentistry was his ideal career as it would allow him to combine his passions for service, healthcare, and improving his community.
Where did you study Dentistry:
Dr. Erich attended the University of Iowa College of Dentistry from 2016-2020. During that time, he was elected the Class Service Chair and was voted “Most likely to treat underserved populations” after graduating. He also was selected for the Dean’s Leadership Award and graduated with a distinction in Public Health. Following graduation, he was selected by the National Health Service Corps as a member of their Students to Service program. Through this program Dr. Erich worked at a non-profit clinic to increase access to dental treatment for underserved populations. Lifelong learning after dental school is a point of emphasis for Dr. Erich as well. To ensure that he continues to develop and improve as a dental provider he is a current member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Zumbro Valley Dental Society, and the Dawson Academy.
Outside of the Dental office what do you like to do
When Dr. Erich is not in the dental clinic, he likes to be outside and active. Whether running, skiing, rollerblading, hiking, or playing golf he’s happy as long as he’s outside. Travel has also become a major passion in Dr. Erich’s life. Together with friends and family he has traveled to 10 different countries since 2015 including Peru, Vietnam, Sweden and South Africa. When he’s home he enjoys spending quality time with his girlfriend and their Goldendoodle (Leon). Whenever possible he travels back to Illinois to spend time with his parents, sisters, and young niece and nephew.
Dental Assistants
Meet Kim
Kim is one of our wonderful dental assistants with 8 years of experience. Originally from Cannon Falls, Kim and her family raise goats, horses, cows, dogs, and cats. When Kim isn’t working, she is spending time with her husband and three-year-old daughter, Bexley. She also enjoys riding horse, four wheeling, and taking care of her hobby farm.
Kim is involved with Spear education and enjoys getting to know all of her patients.
Meet Tammy
Tammy has been a dental assistant at Rochester Dental Clinic for over 29 years! She has completed training through Spear education and enjoys educating patients.
Tammy and her husband Dave have been married for almost 40 years and have 2 children, Adam and Amber, and also have 3 grandchildren. When she’s not working she enjoys snowmobiling, hanging out with her grandchildren, and spending time with her horse that will be 32 years old.
Meet Jenna
Jenna is originally from Monticello, MN and now lives in Rochester with her fiancé, Riley and her fur babies Shirley and Koa.
Some of Jenna’s hobbies are hiking, camping, volleyball, and listening to podcasts.
Dental Hygienists
Meet Sheri
Sheri’s has 22 years in her dental hygienist career. In addition to her dental hygiene career, she also has experience and knowledge in Spear education. Sheri is originally from Kasota, MN and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
When Sheri isn’t working, she enjoys reading, watching movies, working out, snow shoeing, spending time with family and friends, and traveling. Sheri enjoys educating her patients on oral health and seeing positive results for her patients.
Meet Gretchen
Gretchen is originally from Plainview, MN and brings to us over 10 years of dental hygiene experience, along with Spear education training. She has a 2-year-old pug named Dre and enjoys fishing, golfing, and hunting in her spare time. Gretchen loves seeing patients of all ages and helping to make their smiles shine!
Meet Jenna
Administration
Meet Lori
Lori was born in raised in Rochester, MN – so she is definitely a familiar face!
With over 15 years of dental experience, both clinical and administrative, Lori is able to work in all areas of Rochester Dental Clinic.
Lori lives in Oronoco with her husband, Brian, and their son Bryce.
When Lori isn’t working, you could find her cheering for the MN Twins and Vikings, boating, fishing, and spending time with her friends and family.
Meet Brandi
Brandi is originally from Omaha, Texas. She has over 7 years of dental experience, including working on the clinical side and business team side. Brandi and her husband Corey, have one son, Connor and a yellow lab, Jersey.
Some of Brandi’s hobbies include being a hockey and baseball mom, watching Gopher football, baking, and traveling.
Meet Connie
- Length of employment at Rochester Dental Clinic? Started in 10/5/21 (been in Dental field for over 45 years assisting and front desk.)
- Where are you from? Rural Zumbro Falls / Mazeppa area.
- What’s your favorite thing about working in the dental field? the patients, getting to know them and helping them with their dental needs.
- Favorite things to do outside of work? Scrapbooking, spending time with my husband Tom and daughter Calli and spending time with her cat “Tiger Lily” and her Siberian Husky “Cheyanne”. Also going to Twins games!
I started in dental assisting over 45 years ago. First as a licensed assistant and later working a combination of assisting and front desk. I’ve worked at Amethyst Dental Care for over 29 years with Dr. John Boeker and Dr. Dory Gardner.
Ready To Love Your Smile?
We are patient focused and family friendly. Our team of dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, and administrative staff are here to serve you and ensure that your dental visits are as comfortable as possible. We’ll listen to your concerns, complete an exam and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. We believe that everyone deserves to have a smile they love. Whether you need a professional cleaning, tooth reshaping and whitening, or dental implants and veneers, we’re here to help reveal your best smile. Are you ready to fall in love with your smile?