Dr. PJay Merrell was born and raised in Quitaque, a small town in the Texas panhandle. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Texas Tech University. After graduation, Dr. Merrell earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2012. He continued his training at Baylor, completing a 3-year specialty program, earning a certificate in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science Degree in Oral Biology. As a Prosthodontist, he obtained advanced skills in treating patients with complicated esthetic (cosmetic) and functional needs. His training allows him to provide an advanced level of comprehensive care for his patients. Achieving optimal care that is appropriate to each individual is paramount to Dr. Merrell.

Dr. PJay Merrell was born and raised in Quitaque, a small town in the Texas panhandle. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Texas Tech University. After graduation, Dr. Merrell earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 2012. He continued his training at Baylor, completing a 3-year specialty program, earning a certificate in Prosthodontics and a Master of Science Degree in Oral Biology. As a Prosthodontist, he obtained advanced skills in treating patients with complicated esthetic (cosmetic) and functional needs. His training allows him to provide an advanced level of comprehensive care for his patients. Achieving optimal care that is appropriate to each individual is paramount to Dr. Merrell. Wanting to serve his country, Dr. Merrell commissioned as a Lieutenant into the U.S. Navy in 2015. Stationed overseas in Okinawa, Japan he served three years as a Prosthodontist for the Marine Corps and their families. He served one year as the Prosthodontist at the Naval Amphibious Base in Coronado, California where he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. Although Dr. Merrell enjoyed his time serving the men and women of our armed forces, he was called back home to the Lubbock area with the great opportunity to join Dr. Kathleen Nichols practice to help provide dental care for the people of West Texas. Dr. Merrell is a member of the Texas Dental Association, the South Plains District Dental Society, and American College of Prosthodontics. He continues to pursue advanced training and courses in order to improve the quality of dental care for his patients. Dr. Merrell and his wife, Shelly, are very excited to be back home in the Lubbock area. They have three kids, Kyla, Gracey, and Preston. When not working he spends his time with his family, volunteering and being involved with the kids activities.

Kathleen Nichols, D.D.S., FAGD, has practiced in Lubbock for 30 years, opening her practice after graduating from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1986. A Texan by choice, Dr. Nichols got here as soon as she could! Dr. Nichols has received fellowships in the prestigious, American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. Further, she has been awarded a fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy. In June 2015, Dr. Nichols received her fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry.

Kathleen Nichols, D.D.S., FAGD, has practiced in Lubbock for 30 years, opening her practice after graduating from Marquette University School of Dentistry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1986. A Texan by choice, Dr. Nichols got here as soon as she could! Dr. Nichols has received fellowships in the prestigious, American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. Further, she has been awarded a fellowship in the Pierre Fauchard Academy. In June 2015, Dr. Nichols received her fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Kathleen Nichols, D.D.S., FAGD, served 3 years on the Board of Directors of the Texas Dental Association. Previously, she has served as a delegate to the Texas Dental Association from the South Plains District and has chaired and been a member of various reference committees. She has served as Chairman of the Texas Dental Association Council on Ethics and Judicial Affairs and as a member of the Texas Dental Association Council on Dental Care Programs. Dr. Nichols is a Dental Board examiner with the Western Regional Examining Board. Locally, Dr. Nichols has served as the president of the South Plains District Dental Society and is a current Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She has also served as the United Way Chairman of the Dental Division, and on the Executive Board of the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Nichols is a graduate of the Leadership Lubbock program, as well as the Leadership Texas program. Dr. Nichols was honored as 2005 Woman Entrepreneur of Lubbock. Currently, Dr. Nichols is on the Board of Directors of Parenting Cottage. Her memberships include the Texas Dental Association, the South Plains District Dental Society, the Texas Association of Women Dentists, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and the Texas Tech Red Raider Club. In 2014, Dr. Nichols was voted Best of Lubbock by the Lubbock Avalanche Journal. Dr. Nichols and her husband have 4 children and 3 precious grandsons.

Best dentist for children traumatized about going to the dentist. Dr. Nichols took the time to take care of my daughter as she had been traumatized at other dentist offices, but feels confident and reassured now when she goes into Dr. Nichols office. Dr. Nichols did an awesome job with all of my children in taking care of their teeth and with the offices professionalism and courtesy, you have the feeling like you really belong and are welcome.

Dr. Nichols is unlike any other dentist I?ve encountered. The staff, especially the hygienists have been so nice and informative! I have referred many people to this awesome office and will continue to do so because everyone should encounter this great service!

As an extremely anxious dental patient, I appreciate the professional care I received. Everyone was friendly and respectful, took the time to help me understand my condition, and put me at ease. Thank you for making something thats usually so stressful easy.

Going to the dentist can be a stressful event, but not at Nichols Dentistry. Everyone is friendly and kind. They go out of their way to be sure you are comfortable and well cared for during you visit. I highly recommend their office, and I have to family and friends.

Dr. Nichols is a member of Spear Education & Study Club which helps dentists achieve clinical excellence and practice success, by supporting doctors with continuing educational resources created and led by some of the most respected clinicians in restorative dentistry today. Our affiliation with Spear ensures that we are committed to providing the most up to date, exemplary patient care.

The ADAs new dental health website for consumers, MouthHealthy.org, has information you need to take better care of your mouth today so it will take care of you for life. Visit your life stage and find tips for healthy habits, top concerns, nutrition, and fact or fiction information concerning dental health.

Our greatest goal is to give you the healthy smile that youve always wanted. We understand that choosing to receive dental treatment is a big decision, and we respect your reasons for wanting to improve the way you look and feel. Our practice utilizes the latest technology, offering a variety of safe and gentle treatment options to give you the care you need and deserve. We will work with you every step of the way to make sure that you receive your best care ever.