RDH COVER SPOTLIGHT

On the rooftop of the building where she lives, Merisa Libbey strummed a Fender bass guitar for RDH magazine during a photography session for the magazine’s cover. Total immersion into music is the way this Beverly Hills hygienist unwinds.

“Music is a big passion for me,” Libbey says. “I love being able to be a part of the process of creating music. Music is an escape for you in bad times and a way to always remember good times you’ve had. ”

When she is not practicing dental hygine in the office of Dr. Ken Jacobs, Libbey attends classes at the Hollywood Academy of Music. She is part of a class called the “school of rock” where she studies voice and the bass guitar. She performs with one of four school bands, serving as the singer. The “class” of musicians recently performed at the Kibitz Room in Los Angeles.

Libbey said, “I like to perform the orginal songs that the band writes. The band writes the music, and I write the lyrics and melody.”

She graduated from the dental hygiene program at Cypress College in 2005. But she has also worked as a receptionist, registered dental assistant, and an office manager during her 10-year dental career.

“I like working in Dr. Jacobs’ office,” she said. ”His staff is very helpful and work great as a team. It’s a fun enviroment. The patients are friendly and I enjoy helping others.”

Libbey resides in Los Angeles, but grew up in Orange County. She gives credit to her parents for the motivation she needed to succeed as a dental hygienist.

“In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family,” Libbey said. “My mother, Barbara, and father, David, are very supportive. If it wasn’t for their encouragement and support, I wouldn’t be able to have become a dental hygienist.”