Meet Our Expert Team

Dr. David Verzella has been the owner and dentist of Prairie Dental for over 30 years, and is a graduate of The Ohio State University, College of Medicine. After dental school, Dr. Verzella completed a hospital-based General Practice Residency at The Ohio State University. He also completed implant training with The Misch Implant Institute, and has over 3,000 hours of continuing education. He is a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, Academy of General Dentistry, Columbus Dental Society, ADA and ODA. Dr. Verzella lives in Columbus with his wife of 30 years and his daughter who is going through her residency to become a plastic surgeon. In Dr. Verzella’s spare time he enjoys playing tennis, skiing, and traveling with his family. He says that his favorite thing about being a dentist is 'Improving people’s lives one smile at a time'.

Dr. Parker Ferguson attended Weber State University and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He later graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery. He has a passion for providing his patients with the highest quality care. He is also a member of the American Dental Association, Columbus Dental Society, and the Ohio Dental Association. Dr. Ferguson is a warm and caring individual who takes the time to get to know his patients and understand their individual needs. He believes that everyone deserves to have a healthy smile and is committed to providing his patients with the best possible care. He enjoys traveling as he is originally from Utah and lived in China, and recently got married to his wife, Renee.

Melodie has been the Office Manager at Prairie Dental since 2003. She graduated from Franklin University with a Bachelors in Business. Melodie is a proud mother of an ambitious teenage daughter, 2 loyal canine companions and partner of a hard-working husband. When asked what her favorite thing about working for Prairie Dental is, she says that she finds fulfillment watching smile transformations and the positive impact it has on patient’s lives.

Jill is one of our hygienists, and has been with Prairie Dental for over 30 years. She has two children, two grandchildren and two dogs as well! Her favorite thing about working for Prairie Dental is the patients and the relationships she has built with them over her time here.

Ileen is another one of our hygienists and she has been a member of Prairie Dental for over 25 years! She grew up in Youngstown and graduated from YSU but has since lived in Columbus with her husband, two children and two dogs.

Denise is the EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant) at Prairie Dental. She started working in the profession in 2004 as a front desk coordinator, but became so interested in the clinical aspect of dentistry that she began her education towards becoming a CDA/EFDA. When Denise isn’t assisting the dentists, she spends her time with her husband, kids and grandkids as well as selling homes for Keller Williams!

Hanna is the Patient/Social Media Coordinator. She has been with Prairie Dental since 2022, just a year after graduating from Ohio University with a Bachelors in Business, specializing in Marketing. Hanna has been a patient at the office since she was 4 years old and loves telling patients all about her goldendoodle puppy, Harley!

Talia is our incredible lead dental assistant, known for her dedication, leadership, and warm personality. Outside the office, she loves spending quality time with her two kids and getting lost in a good book. We’re so lucky to have her as part of our team!