Dr. Below feels the most rewarding aspect of his dental career is the opportunity to work with a patient to give them the smile they’ve always wanted.

"A little of my heart is in every patient’s care, and when they feel good about being more healthy, being able to enjoy their meals, & having a smile they are proud of, that’s my reward."

Education & Background
Dr. Below strives to stay ahead of the curve on the new techniques and information available to better serve his patients. He participates in over a hundred hours of continuing education each year and has memberships in organizations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, which are focused on the future of dentistry from a scientific and/or esthetic perspective.

Dr. Walter R. Below has practiced in Westlake for over 20 years. He received his dental degree at the University of Louisville’s School of Dentistry in 1981.

He is a Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and a General Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

He is also a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and American Association of Hospital Dentists.

He was a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Periodontics at Case Western Reserve Dental School. He is also on the medical staff of Lakewood Hospital.

Awards
Dr Below was nominated by his peers and passed the rigorous scrutiny in being accepted to the International College of Dentist. His fellowship in this prestigious organization was bestowed at the annual meeting of the American Dental Association in October. The Cap and Gown Ceremony was help in San Francisco.

On a personal side, Dr Below was accepted into the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, an honor given to those with ties to the commonwealth of Kentucky. He graduated from both the University of Kentucky for his Undergraduate degree and from the University of Louisville for his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.

Other Colonels include, former president Lyndon B. Johnson, English Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Former Senator John Glenn.

Dr. Merkum received his BS and DDS degrees from Case Western Reserve University. After Dental School, he served in the united States Navy Reserve as an officer in the dental Corps. Dr. Merkum has been in private practice in North Olmsted and Westlake for over thirty years. He has served with distinction as past secretary and president of Delta Sigma Delta International Fraternity. He was also continuing education chairman, secretary, and president of the Westshore Dental Study Club. This study club is the largest such group in the state. Dr. Merkum also belongs to the Greater Cleveland Dental Society, the Ohio Dental Association, and the American Dental Society. He was honored by his peers and voted one of the best dentists in Northern Ohio Magazine's recent Publication.

Dr. Merkum believes that continuing education is a must in this fast changing environment. He regularly attends the local, state, and national meetings to stay abreast of the latest techniques and services.

Dr. Merkum has been a member of many community service organizations including the North Olmsted Kiwanis and Rotary Club. He is currently a member of the North Olmsted Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Merkum has volunteered his time to work with Christina Smiles when it comes to Akron. This organization travels the country in a mobile dental clinic and provides free dentistry to children whose families could not afford dental care.

Dr. Merkum's philosophy has always been to educate his patients so that they can make informed decisions concerning their dental health.