Dr. Binni Patel

Dr. Binni Patel grew up in Galloway, New Jersey spending time at the shore. She graduated Cum Laude from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey where she obtained her Bachelor of the Arts degree in Biological Sciences with minors in Physiology and Religion. Continuing further at Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey she obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. After graduating from dental school, she came back towards the shore and completed a General Practice Residency as Chief Resident at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey.

After one year in private practice she went onto Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York to complete her specialty training in Pediatric Residency. During this time she was able to gain knowledge in the treatment of pediatrics and medically compromised patients. Her experience in the treatment of special needs patients was enhanced at the Rose F. Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities. .

Dr. Binni is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. She is a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the New Jersey Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the Monmouth/Ocean Dental Society, The College of Diplomates and several other organizations. Along with being laser certified, Dr. Binni also has privileges at Monmouth Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Dr. Binni lives in Edison, NJ with her husband. In her free time she loves to travel the world with her husband and go hiking in the most amazing places. She loves treating children and being part of a wonderful team at Happy Dayz Pediatric Dentistry.

Dr. Joe Merola

As a native Staten Islander, “Dr. Joe” Merola graduated from St. Joseph by the Sea High School and from the College of Staten Island in 2010 with a B.S. in Biology. He then attended Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, and graduated with a D.M.D degree in 2014. Dr. Merola then returned home to his hometown of Staten Island to continue his education, and completed a residency in General Dentistry at Staten Island University Hospital. It was during his residency that he had reconnected with his own pediatric dentist, Dr. Schwartz, who introduced him to the world of pediatric dentistry and changed his life forever thereafter.

He remained at SIUH to complete his residency in Pediatric Dentistry, and graduated as Chief Resident in 2018. While in residency, Dr. Merola was introduced to organized dentistry and became a member of RCDS in 2016 and served on the board during his residency. He remained on staff at Staten Island University Hospital for a short time before opening his own practice in New Dorp called “Sweet Tooth Pediatric Dentistry.” he now serves as the current President of the Richmond County Dental Society.

Dr. Joe became a diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2019. Utilizing his education and passion for dentistry to help others is a great passion of his. Dr. Merola is a member of Healing the Children,a non-profit organization and travels to provide necessary healthcare to children and adults worldwide alongside Dr. David Hoffman and Dr. Lydia Lam. He also serves as a Committee Chair for Young Lives, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving pregnant teens, teenage mothers and their children by providing mentorship, counseling and of course, free dental care.

His passions outside of dentistry include spending time with his family, friends and dog, Leo. He also enjoys cooking, going to the gym, and traveling to explore different cuisines and cultures.