Why She Was Nominated:

Dr. Burton has run and managed her own private practice for four years. A single mother of two, she plans to purchase a second practice soon. In addition to focusing on expansion, she’s also training her golden retriever puppy, Dave, to visit her office as a comfort dog. She’s an avid runner and yogi and has donated dental services to her community since 2017. She also serves as a Rhode Island Dental Association Disaster Medical Assistance team member.

Why She Became a Dentist:

“I graduated with a degree in microbiology. I took a job in pharmaceutical research working for a dentist, and the drug we were studying treated mucositis. Nearly everyone who worked for him was inspired to go into dentistry or medicine, and I was too.”

Something People Don’t Know:

“The year I became a practice owner was the same year I lost a deal to purchase the practice I’d been at for seven years—and the year I became a single parent. I don’t regret making the choice to purchase a practice, even though I was often advised to hold off until life was more settled. There’s never a perfect time to take a risk.”