Dentist in Mt Clemens, MI

The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our staff's training, professional credentials and work experience.

Patricia A Burness, DDS

Dr. Burness is a conservative, gentle, caring dentist who carefully listens to her patients.  She practices multiple dental procedures in a comfortable, family oriented general dentistry office.  She will explain in detail your treatment options and provide you with a treatment plan. 

Dr. Burness received her first degree from the University of Detroit’s school of dental hygiene in 1982.   After working as a registered dental hygienist, she decided she wanted to do more for her patients.  She then went back to U of D to receive her DDS degree in 1988. 

She has since taken many continuing education courses, including her certificate for completing straight-wire orthodontics in 2006.  Dr. Burness has been a clinical dental instructor at UDM’s dental school from 1993-1995 and 2000-2001. 

Dr Burness branched out on her own in 2000 when she opened her own office in Mt. Clemens.  Here she loves giving good, honest dentistry to her patients.  She has also enjoyed giving back to the community by donating her services and office to the Macomb District Dental Hygienists’ Society for their annual Heartfelt Project (for underserved children in Macomb County) and Donated Dental Services for Macomb County.

She is a member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, the Macomb Dental Society, as well as the American Orthodontic Society. 

Deb

Deb is Dr. Burness’ dedicated dental assistant.  She is always smiling and easy to talk to.  Deb has been here since Dr. Burness opened her own office in 2000.  She is certified to take radiographs (x-rays), monitors sterilization and disinfecting for the office and oversees OSHA compliance.  Deb enhanced her abilities and education when she received her certificate in April 2006, in the advanced straight wire assistant’s course for orthodontics. 

Outside the office, she is enjoys spending time with her two grown boys, as well as her granddaughter.   Deb is a lifelong Algonac resident and supporter of the community.  She has owned and operated, the Busuttil Family Shoe Store, in Marine City from 2007-2012.  During that time, she participated in the Old Newsboys’ Christmas for children.  Deb has been an Algonac High School Booster Member since 2001.  Deb also enjoys volunteering her time for the underserved children of Macomb County with the Heartfelt project. 

When she is not doing things with her family or community, she enjoys golfing, biking and traveling.   

Gerri

Since 2002, Gerri has been here to greet you with a welcoming smile.  She has makes you feel like part of the family, not just a patient.  Gerri has many years of experience in the dental field.  From chair-side assisting, to working in the radiographic department at UDM, to working at the corporate office of a large dental corporation, as well as various dental insurance companies.  She not only understands the dental procedures, but also has the unique ability to know what the insurance companies will require or even allow.  She is very familiar with the different dental insurance companies and policies that are offered.  For those serving in the military, whether active or reserve, she is experienced with those forms also.  She will take the time to welcome you and explain things to you. 

Shelly

Shelly has been intrigued in the dental field from an early age when she would open her dog’s mouth to examine their teeth.  She started her career as a chair-side dental assistant in 1988.  Shelly enhanced her dental education by graduating and receiving her dental hygiene degree from the University of Detroit Mercy, in 1997.  In 2000, she was honored with dental hygienist of the year award from Macomb County Dental Hygienists’ Society.  Shelly strives for optimal oral health with her patients along with making the patient’s comfort and education her main priority.

Shelly is a wife for over 20 years, a mother of 4 and still finds time to be a member American Dental Hygienists’ Association, Michigan Dental Hygienists’ Association, Macomb District Dental Hygienists’ Society (where she serves on the scholarship committee and is a Heartfelt volunteer for the under-served from 1998-present, 4 of those years she was the chairperson), a member of the Michigan Dental Association Forensic Dental Identification Team and the Michigan Mortuary Response Team.