Utica area Dentist and Sleep Apnea Specialist
Dr. Charles Burns is a native of Central New York and currently lives in Utica with his wife, Linda. They have two sons, Curt and Alan. Curt resides in Utica with his fiancée, Nikki; and Alan and his wife, Kelly, live in California. Dr. and Linda enjoy spending time with their four grandchildren, Dante, Chloe, Charlie, and Sawyer.
Dr. Burns’ education began with an Associates Degree in Applied Science from Mohawk Valley Community College. He then went on to receive his Bachelor of Science Degree from Utica College with a dual major in Bio Chemistry and Psychology, graduating with honors. His formal Dental Education was received at New York University.
During his senior year at NYU, Dr. Burns was selected to participate in the Honors Prosthodontic Program, which allowed him to perform “State of the Art” procedures and to participate in many research projects. He was also selected for the Honors Treatment Module, which is bestowed on the top 20 students of the class. After graduation, Dr. Burns participated in a one year General Practice Residency at the Faxton-St. Lukes campus in Utica.
As an attending Dentist for 15 years and past Chairman of the Dental Residency Program, he donates his time and expertise teaching new Doctors on subjects such as Endodontics, TMJ disorders, Sleep Apnea, Forensic Dentistry, and Craniofacial Pain Management. He also lends his guidance to all aspects of General Dentistry.
Dr. Burns retired from the New York Army National Guard in Utica, New York after 21 years of dedicated service. He was with the 107th Military Police Unit and retired as a Senior Leader. He proudly served in Operation Desert Shield/ Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. He was assigned to duties in many areas of southwest Asia. During his 21 years of service, he received many Awards and Decorations for high performance standards while discharging his duties.
Serving and giving back to the community is important to Dr. Burns as he faithfully donates his time and talents to many local agencies. He is currently Chairman of the Health Services Advisory Board for Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency and performs hundreds of free Dental screenings for Head Start Programs in Oneida County per year. Dr. Burns has also developed a network of local Dentists who perform emergency procedures for under privileged children.
Dr. Burns has given multiple presentations to the Federal Government’s Department of Health and Human Services. Many of his ideas and practices have been adopted and have become part of our National Health Care Plan to provide dental services to less fortunate children.
He is associated with many community based organizations: Board of Governors, 5th District Dental Society; Chairman of Membership Council, 5th District Dental Society; Past President, Oneida-Herkimer County Dental Society; Past President, 5th District Dental Society (encompassing eight counties in New York State).
Currently, he holds these positions: Chairman of the Ethics Council, 5th District Dental Society; Board Member, New York State Dental Association Council on Ethics; Board of Directors for Family Nurturing Center; participant in the Dental Health services at the Utica Community Center. Every year he participates in the Build-A-Bike event giving away over 700 oral health kits to the children. In addition, he is a member of the National Association of Forensic Dentists, the American Dental Association and is a member of the Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine for which he is working toward receiving his Diplomate status. He is also a member of the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain. Dr. Burns prides himself on his continuing education development, and takes many courses which keep him abreast of the latest techniques and procedures being performed in modern Dentistry. He is an Ambassador for the NYS Dental Foundation. Dr. Burns recently received a Certificate Of Residency from Tufts University in Boston in Conjunction with AACP in the discipline of Sleep Apnea Management.
Some of Dr. Burns special treatments and services include “State of the Art” Single Visit Endodontics (Root Canal), DentalVibe treatment to reduce the pain of injections, Itero “goop-free” impressioning treatment. He also has great interest in the study and fabrication of Sleep Apnea appliances. These devices can provide for treatment and relief for those patients who cannot tolerate CPAP therapy. He also enjoys fabricating appliances for patients suffering from Temporomandibular Joint disorders (TMJ). Forensic Dentistry is also his passion. This is the process of studying and identifying human remains. This specialty has allowed many families to receive peace and comfort when a loved one can be identified and properly laid to rest.
When he is not treating patients, Dr. Burns enjoys many leisure activities. He is an avid sculptor, using the mediums of clay, metal and wood. In warm weather, he enjoys golfing, landscaping, the beach and woodworking. Winter enjoyment includes snowmobiling and skiing. Throughout the year, he enjoys all that the Adirondacks and the Mohawk Valley have to offer.
Dr. Burns’ unique blend of professionalism and compassion puts his patients at ease. He treats them with care and understanding to promote excellent oral health, which is important for their overall well being.
