Dentist makes Clarkston his home

Dr. Robert J. Opie, DDS, treats patients the old fashioned way ? as individuals.
‘We put patients? best interests first,? said Dr. Opie, associate dentist with Dr. Bruce P. Mercado, DDS, in Independence Township. ‘We offer very personalized care, very individualized ? not with a factory feel.?
Opie joined Dr. Mercado’s practice part time in 2007, expanding to 4-5 days a week last year.
‘We have a similar philosophy of care ? build relationships with patients with personalized care,? Mercado said. ‘We get to know them.?
Both doctors are from Rochester, Opie graduating from Rochester High School in 1999. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 2003, and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from New York University in 2007.
Just before graduation, Jim Opie, his uncle and patient of Dr. Mercado’s, put in a good word for his nephew.
‘He called me and asked if we needed another dentist,? Mercado said. ‘I was thinking of mentoring another dentist, so I said to have him come by. We hit it off from the beginning.?
‘Patients just love how friendly and personable he is ? he has a great rapport with patients,? said Kathy Browe, business manager. ‘He’s a great fit with staff and patients, a great addition to the office.?
Dr. Opie was looking to return to Michigan after graduation, particularly Oakland County where he grew up.
‘I’m a boater, a lake person,? he said. ‘And it’s close to family.?
He is an active member of Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce, and volunteers with SCAMP and other community activities.
‘I really enjoy Clarkston,? said Opie, who is open to more volunteer opportunities. ‘It helps me acclimate to the community and form stronger bond with patients.?
Dr. Opie offers full dental services for the whole family. His hours include Mondays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Fridays, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.; one Saturday a month during the school year.
For more information, call the office at 6445 Citation Drive, Suite A, at 248-625-5000 or check www.brucemercadodds.com.