About Us

Meet Your Las Cruces Dental Team

Bridget Burris, DDS

Dr. Burris graduated from Baylor University College of Dentistry with her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1985, and then began practicing general dentistry in Las Cruces. Prior to receiving her degree in dentistry, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from New Mexico State University in 1981. During that time she was also graduate research assistant at Los Alamos National Laboratory.She has undergone extensive postgraduate training and has completed study at The Dawson Academy and The Pankey Institute for Advanced Dental Education. Dr. Burris takes a special interest in cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry and uses modern tools and techniques to create life-changing smiles.

Dr. Burris' dedication to providing comprehensive, high-quality care shows in her commitment to continuing education. Her advanced coursework includes TMJ analysis, computer-guided dental implant placement, and laser periodontal therapy, to name a few. She combines clinical knowledge with state-of-the-art technology and gentle, compassionate care to deliver rewarding experiences that truly change our patients' lives.

Her professional memberships include the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentists, New Mexico Dental Association, South West District Dental Society, Spear Faculty Club and the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation.  She is working to complete her fellowship with the Misch Institute of Implantology and holds a fellowship with the International Congress of Implantologists.  She is also certified in laser dentistry by the Academy of Laser Dentistry. Dr. Burris is also a member of the Internet Dental Alliance, and she just gained  fellowship status with The Institute  for Advanced Laser Dentistry.

For the past 20 years, Dr. Burris has volunteered her time to the El Paso Zoo, performing dentistry for the animals. She also volunteers in Honduras and Mexico on medical and dental missions trips, and supports her local community through involvement with local youth, FFA, 4-H, and Las Cruces Rotary. In her spare time, Dr. Burris enjoys scuba diving, beading, spending time with her two children and pets.

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Our Dental Team

Carole Harris Brown – Dental Hygienist
Carole brings a wealth of experience to our team. She’s been in dentistry for over 30 years and joined our practice in 1989. Carole attended Baylor University, University of New Mexico, and Loma Linda University. She loves our patients and our team. Serving generations of families and staying current with modern dentistry make her happy to come to work each day! Carole and her husband, Larry, have three daughters and four grandchildren. In her spare time, Carole enjoys spending time with her family, helping out in the family hardware business, reading, and participating in her church.

Crystal Fleenor – Hygiene Assistant
Crystal is one of the newest members of our team. She recently graduated high school and will attend college in the fall. She loves our enthusiasm and energy, as well as our leading-edge technology. Crystal is the youngest of three daughters. She likes to ride horses and all-terrain vehicles.

Daisy Torres-Barraza – Patient Treatment Specialist
Daisy is new to our team and brings over four years of experience as a dental assistant. She obtained her dental assisting degree from Dona Ana Branch Community College in 2004. Because Daisy posses "that compassionate, caring, touch" and likes helping people, she appreciates that our work environment and leading edge technology enable her to give the best of care to all patients. Daisy was born this side of the border, but her descendants came from México. She speaks fluent Spanish. Another plus!, as she treats our bilingual patients!  Daisy likes to cook (not bake!) and spend time with her husband, daughter and son.

Dawn Jackson – Patient Treatment Specialist
Dawn began her dental assisting career in 1980 and joined our team in 1988 and has faithfully been Dr. Burris's right hand! Her certifications include CEREC, dental sedation, cosmetic dentistry, reconstructive and rehabilitative dentistry, sleep apnea appliances, and biometrics in support of TMJ dysfunction. She’s also a member of the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries. Dawn values our modern technology and advanced treatments and our team’s commitment to quality. She is especially knowledgeable in computer programs in the dental field, and is mostly in charge of that aspect of the office as well as her many other duties as head assistant. Dawn has been married to her husband, Mike, since 1983. They have one son. Away from the office, Dawn reads, knits, has held several positions in her church, and is a loving, committed wife and mother.

Karen Lawrence – Patient Care Administrator
Karen has been a team member since 1999. Karen enjoys our close knit family environment and adds fun and flair to the practice as she greets all of our patients as they arrive. You will recognize her immediately with her smile and wild style!!! Karen and her husband, Tom, have one daughter, two sons, one of which currently proudly serves in the U.S. Army, and three grandchildren. She enjoys crafting, riding her motorcycle, and spending time with her family.

Krista Gardner – Patient Care Administrator
Krista has served as our patient coordinator since 2007 and has over ten years of experience in the medical field. Our team camaraderie and common goal to help patient achieve optimal oral health make Krista proud to be part of our practice. She loves helping those in need of our services. Krista’s family has been farming and ranching in the valley for over 100 years. When not at work, Krista pursues her jewelry business and hot-air ballooning. She supports the local 4-H and FFA groups, and Cowboys for Cancer Research.

Lana Griffith – Office Manager
With our practice since 2001, Lana came to the practice with 20 years management experience following attendance at New Mexico State University. Lana values our patient-focused attitude and appreciates the opportunity to excel in a field that she loves. Married to husband Steve since 1978, Lana has two daughters and a gorgeous granddaughter that has brought great joy to their loving family! Lana is very involved and committed and works alongside her husband as they pastor a church together. Her hobbies include animals and farming/ranching.

Margie Hamelink – Patient Treatment Specialist
A member of our team since 2006, Margie brings with her over 30 years of experience in dentistry. She has completed extensive training and has certifications in CEREC, sleep medicine, sleep apnea oral appliance therapy, biometrics to treat TMJ pain, and radiology. Margie is a member of the Association of Dental Implant Auxiliaries. She likes our high-tech, progressive practice, and she loves seeing patients achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Margie speaks fluent Spanish as well as a little German, which helps patients that need an interpreter.  When not assisting patients, she enjoys making jewelry, reading, hiking, snow skiing, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Renee M. Coury – Dental Hygienist
Renee joined our team in 2008 and has been a dental hygienist since 1983. She holds an associate’s degree in dental hygiene and is currently pursuing a degree in nutrition. Renee is a member of the American Dental Hygiene Association. She values the quality of care that we provide and enjoys educating patients and helping them achieve a lifetime of oral and overall health. Renee has two children, a son and a daughter. Away from the office, she pursues photography and physical fitness.

Travys Armitage – Autoclave Technician
Travys has been with us since 2008 and helps in all areas of our practice! He currently attends New Mexico State University. Travys likes our friendly atmosphere and enjoys working with our experienced and knowledgeable team and learning about dentistry. When not at school or work, you’ll find Travys racing dirt bikes or longboarding.

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