Dr. Merle E. Loudon, new to Runar D. Johnson’s practice, performs surgery on a patient last week. Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell

Sequim has a new dentist in town.

Dr. Merle E. Loudon joins the staff at Runar D. Johnson, DDS’s office.

Loudon graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 1957. After two years of service in the Air Force, he started a private practice in East Wenatchee. For the past 45 years his practice has included orthodontics and TMDysfunction treatment, specializing in temporomandibular pain treatment, headache control, functional jaw orthopedics and straight wire orthodontics.

Associated with his TMJ (temporomandibular joint) treatment and control of pain is diet, parasite elimination, intestinal cleansing and healing.

Loudon has taught advanced courses for dentists on TMDysfunction treatment, orthodontics and related pain control for more than 30 years.

In 1972 he was the first dentist in Washington to use straight wire orthodontics and the first dentist to correct vertical deficiencies in children by placing vertical dimension-primary molar buildups. He was involved with the first group of dentists to recognize lateral tongue splinting in young infants and integrate functional and fixed techniques to correct vertical dimension deficiencies and condylar placement.

He has written numerous articles in several American and foreign dental journals and has lectured in more than 50 cities and seven foreign countries on functional jaw orthopedics, fixed wire and TMDysfunction treatment.

Loudon is a diplomat and senior instructor in the International Association for Orthodontics, and is a diplomat of the American Academy of Pain Management. He also is a member of the American Orthodontic Society.