Photo credit: Designs by Jessina

Dr. Duffy Meyer says she was blessed to work at Nelson Family Dentistry (now Polished Dental) in Bismarck for four years before opening her own business in 2011. High Plains Dental in Dickinson brought Duffy back to her roots and closer to family in Killdeer. Duffy and her husband, Mathew, have six children, Reilly, Hugh, Clancy, Rowdy, Hoyt, and Reagan. She says her family has been her greatest supporters and she credits Dr. John Keaveny as her greatest mentor. Duffy says, “He truly showed me how to love being a dentist.”

What is the best part of your work and what gives you the most sense of accomplishment? The people. I love the people I work with and my patients. My biggest sense of accomplishment is definitely a satisfied patient. 

How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? I once had a lady whose tooth I could not get out and had to send her on to the oral surgeon. When I called her later that evening to see how she was doing, I was very discouraged and told her that I understood if she no longer wanted to see me. She started bringing all of her family to me and said it was because I cared so much — she truly turned a negative experience into a wonderful learning experience for both of us. 

What don’t your customers or clients know that would surprise or shock them to learn about you?  I love candy! 

If your employees claimed you had a superpower, what would they say? A really good memory.

What is one hobby you have and how does it contribute to your professional life? My hobbies right now include a lot of kids’ activities. It helps me to relate to a lot of my patients because I see them at the various activities and helps them to be more comfortable around me.

What is one of the best or most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made? My family — I knew from childhood that I wanted a large family. I now have six kids and they are truly the best thing I have ever done. They keep me balanced and truly help me to know what is really important in life.

What advice would you give to a smart, driven college student about to enter the “real world?” Start saving right away — there will always be a rainy day. Don’t plan that you will start at the    top — you have to work your way there and it will be worth it every step of the way. 

What advice should they ignore? Wait until you are established to start your family.