I most enjoy orthodontics because of the relationships that are built with our patients, parents, and patients siblings. The orthodontics specialty is unique in the dental field because of the amount of time we spend with patients. During treatment, we hear about their lives and experiences, share in their challenges and accomplishments, and celebrate with them.
Ive been in practice and serving my community for more than 25 years. Im now creating beautiful smiles for the children and even the grandchildren of earlier patients. I cant imagine anything more personally or professionally rewarding!
I attended Indiana University as an undergraduate. Then I enrolled at Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD), where I graduated summa cum laude with my Doctorate in Dental Surgeryin 1988. Following dental school, I enrolled in orthodontic graduate school at IUSD and finished in 1990 with a certificate in orthodontics and Master of Science in dentistry.
I then returned to Elkhart and joined my fathers orthodontic practice. In 1992 I started my ownprivate practice and have been growing ever since. Presently I share time between my offices in Elkhart and Middlebury.
It is important to me to continue learning and apply what I learn to my practice. This has helped maintain my excitement about practicing after all these years. I feel my ability to diagnose and treat complex orthodontic problems is the best it has ever been, and for this I am thankful.
Orthodontics has evolved greatly in the 25 years Ive been practicing. Weve worked hard to incorporate the latest technologies in our office. In addition to becoming an Invisalign Premier Provider, weve brought in 3D scanning and digital X-rays to improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Weve also embraced accelerated treatment and now offer AcceleDent Aura, which is a comfortable way of speeding up tooth movement.
I grew up in Elkhart and attended Elkhart public schools. My wife Cindy and I met in dental school and share our lives with two dogs and two cats, as well as a menagerie of wildlife that live around our home. Cindy and I enjoy an active lifestyle and continue to explore the world. I like displaying photographs from our travels in ouroffices.
Cindy and I support many local not-for-profit organizations: the Boys and Girls Club, Samaritan Center, Midwest Museum of American Art, and Dollars for Scholars, to name but a few. As a life-long resident of Elkhart County, it is important for me to give back to my community.
Our orthodontic team is a fun-loving group with many years of experience providing gentle, advanced care to our community.Their loyalty, experience,and dedication to the practice and our patients means the world to Dr. Burns.
In 1989, I graduated from Indiana University School of Dentistry with an associates degree in dental hygiene. Thats also where I met Rick! Theres a lot to love about working with him. He is an excellent orthodontistand has a high ethical standard.
What Ido best at Rick Burns Ortho: I am atreatment coordinator for new patients. I love trying to figure out what Dr. Rick's treatment plan will bebefore he looks at a new patient. I am oftenright andoccasionally wrong. Thank goodness he is doing the exam and the treatment planning lol.
Igraduated fromthe Indiana University Dental Assisting School in 1994.After completion of this program I began working in the dental fieldas an orthodontic assistant. I really enjoy working with Dr. Burns because he is knowledgeable and passionate about his work, and he is really fun too!
I have been working in the dental field for 46+ years for many area dentists. I have been employed as a dental lab technician, dental assistant and receptionist. I really enjoy working with Dr. Rick because he is very knowledgeable, caring and friendly. Heis also a great teacher!
What I do best at Rick Burns Ortho: I organize and provide all lab work for patients. Working in our onsite lab I craft custom retainers, bonded retainers and night guards. I also coordinate all of the outside lab work.
I completed theCare Center Program during High School, and in 1998 began my career in the dental field. I love working with Dr. Rick because he sits down with each and every one of his patients and explains their case. He explains treatment in a way that his patients have a fullunderstanding of their orthodontic needs.
Icompleted the Indiana University Dental Assisting program, and have been working in the dental field since 1979. I enjoy working with the Rick Burns Ortho team because we have the same common goal of providing excellent care to our patients. We have fun in a relaxed atmosphere, and we get the work done.
What I do best at Rick Burns Ortho: I keep our inventory in check, and order all the supplies we need. While working with patients I try to help make each visit to the office a positive experience while truly listening to concerns, and answering any questions the patient may have.
I have my x-ray certification from Indiana University South Bend. I learnedabout orthodonticsfrom the best teacher ever, and that is Dr. Rick Burns! I enjoy working with the Rick Burns Ortho team because my co-workers and Ihave becomelikefamily. We all have diffierent backgrounds and personalities, but get alongpretty well.
Before I graduated from Concord High School, I started an internship with Dr. Burns. I began learning about sterilization procedures, and now I am anorthodontic assistant working with Dr. Burns and patients. Dr. Burns trains his team to be the best orthodontic assistant's out there.
What I do best at Rick Burns Ortho: Iremove braces and help with marketing #rickburnsortho on insta! I love serving our patients by helping them gain confidence in their smile andteaching them a perfect brushing routine.
I have always been interested in the field of dentistry, but Idid not have experience until I started working at Rick Burns Orthodontics. I'm a former patient; therefore I know first-hand that Dr. Burns is a great orthodontist. I really enjoy working with th RBO team because my co-workers are cheerful, and they are always willing to go the extra mile to help me.
I attended the dental assisting program at Ross Medical and began my career in the dental field in 2013. Rick Burns Orthodontics is a Platinum Provider of Invisalign. I coordinate all of our Invisalign patients frominitiation to completion of their treatment.For as long as Ihave been in the field, RBOisby far the best team I have worked with. Dr. Rick trains his employees to be the best out there, and he sets a high standard for patient care.
What I do best at Rick Burns Ortho: I makesureour patientsare successful with their Invisalign treatment. I teach our patients theimportance of good oral hygiene. Teeth are something youshouldkeepforever!!!
I attended the dental assisting program at Everest Institute of Technology, andhave been workingin the orthodontic field for many years. I love using my versatility and agility as an orthodontic assistant to give our patients the best smiles. Dr. Rick is an excellentorthodontist, and I am proud to bea part of his team.
What I do best at RIck Burns Ortho: I manage the patient flow in the clinic while assisting teh doctor. I work with our patients whom are getting braces, Invisalign, expanders and more. Orthodontics is truly an art, and I love helping our patients understand how their appliance works and what they can expect.
You are an individual with your own smile goals and concerns. You deserve orthodontic treatment thats tailored specifically to you. This ensures the best experience and most incredible finished smile. Dr. Rick Burns and our staff members are committed to providing leading-edge care in a welcoming, friendly environment.
Ours is a smaller practice, where we are able to devote our full attention to you. Youll have plenty of time to ask questions, never be kept waiting, and be regularly updated on the progress youre making.
We promise youll never feel like a number on a chart: Because of our size, were able to really get to know patients on a personal level. We want to learn about your life and interests, celebrate your achievements, and encourage you to make the most of every opportunity.
Attentive Treatment: Dr. Burns is hands-on in all parts of treatment. Starting with your new patient exam, hell explain your orthodontic issues and the techniques that will fix them. He emphasizes efficient, comfortable treatments that deliver the strongest, most attractive results. Throughout your orthodontic journey, hell closely monitor your progress, make any needed adjustments, and keep you informed and engaged.
Advanced Orthodontics: Our practice offers a range of leading-edge treatment options, including Invisalign clear aligners for adults and teens and iTero Digital Impression System. This provides immediate results, allows us to show you whats happening in your mouth, and eliminates the need for uncomfortable, goopy impressions.
Vivera Invisalign Retainers: All of our patients receive 4 upper and 4 lower Invisalign Vivera retainers at the end of treatment . Our goal is not just to create the best smiles for patients, but to also maintain their smile.
Continuing Education: Dr. Burns and our staff attend numerous conferences and classes throughout the year. This keeps us uptodate on advances in orthodontics and ensures were delivering the best care for you and your new smile!
Commitment to the Community: We love being an active part of our community! Every year in the fall we do something to benefit the community, like raising money for the Samaritan Center, Shriners, and the local food bank. Dr. Burns is also partnered with Shriners Hospitals for Children to provide surgical care for patients with Cleft Lip and Palate, regardless of a familys ability to pay.
A Little Fun: Our office is built for smiles, and we like giving our patients something to smile about whenever possible. We love planning yearly special events for our patients, staff, and community. We havecontests for our patients, wristbands, and summer selfie contests, just to name a few. Dr. Burns also tries to do something fun with our staff throughout year. Whether its going to concerts, a ropes course, bowling, or an Amish dinner, our team is all about strengthening our relationship.
Before starting orthodontics, its essential foryou to understand your issues and all thetreatment options. Its just as important that you choose a practice where the doctor and team are experienced, compassionate, and make you the priority!