Meet Dr. Rick Burns

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.

I’ve been in practice and serving my community for more than 25 years. I’m now creating beautiful smiles for the children and even the grandchildren of earlier patients. I can’t imagine anything more personally or professionally rewarding!

Becoming an orthodontist and returning to my community was an early dream that came to fruition.

Education and Experience

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 Surgery in 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 father’s orthodontic practice. In 1992 I started my own private practice and have been growing ever since. Presently I share time between my offices in Elkhart and Middlebury.

I also work with Shriners Hospitals for Children in Chicago. There, I help patients with cleft lip and palate, as well as others who require jaw surgery.

Leading-Edge Care

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 I’ve been practicing. We’ve worked hard to incorporate the latest technologies in our office. In addition to becoming an Invisalign® Premier Provider, we’ve brought in 3D scanning and digital X-rays to improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. We’ve also embraced accelerated treatment and now offer AcceleDent® Aura, which is a comfortable way of speeding up tooth movement.

Professional Memberships

• American Association of Orthodontists
• Great Lakes Association of Orthodontists
• American Dental Association
• Indiana Dental Association
• North Central Dental Society

Personal Life

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 our offices.

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.