About Us

Dr. Kirk Donaldson

Kirk went to the University of Michigan for college, dental school (1980) and graduate school (1983). His master’s degree is in the dental specialty area of prosthodontics. Basically, he is trained to handle very complex dental restoration. That is where his expertise in dental porcelain and cosmetics started. Kirk is also highly trained and experienced in implant surgery, bone and tissue grafting, root canal treatment and oral sedation dentistry. He received high academic and clinical honors from dental school and has served on the board for a large dental continuing education society. Continuous improvement is a character trait with this very fine dentist.

Yes, Donaldson & Guenther are partners both ways: at work and at home. They have two boys. The whole family enjoys the fine arts, reading and the great outdoors. Kirk has a broad array of personal interests. Kirk is an accomplished photographer. His work has been used by a number of organizations and web sites. He is a person of faith; traveling to Guatemala on dental-mission since 2003. A life-time athlete, Kirk was a UM diver and a nationally ranked sailor. At present, he is an avid rock climber and skier. Most recently he has taken up cello lessons and golf, for something to round it all out.

In short, Kirk is passionate about life and everything he does…and finds it all great fun.

Dr. Kristin Guenther

Kristin climbed the dental ladder and put herself through school in the process. She worked as a dental assistant to pay for college and hygiene school. The chemistry department tried to recruit her for grad school, but her heart was in dentistry. Kristin worked nights and weekends while attending dental school and received her DDS in 1982. All her degrees are from the University of Michigan. Kristin was one of the top students in her class and received high honors and recognition. Since graduating, Dr. Guenther’s clinical strengths are high tech root canal treatment, advanced restorative, cosmetic dentistry, oral sedation and oral sleep apnea/snoring appliances. She is considered the practice wizard of root canals and oral sleep appliances; with fabulous results for her patients.

Kristin takes great joy in her boys: Ian & Nathan…and Kirk (yes, they’re married. She puts up with Kirk’s climbing/skiing/photo adventures with a smile most of the time). Kristin’s passion is horses. She is an accomplised rider, sometimes even helping to develop others’ horses. Kristin is a great cook and has been in charge of serving a monthly gourmet meal to about 70 single moms at church for many years. Kristin is a wonderful gardener. Many images of her flowers are on Kirk’s photo website. She also enjoys attending concerts, plays and art exhibits with Kirk.

In short, Kristin has a very full professional, family, personal and spiritual life.

Our Team

Ann Schrot

Ann is the first person you will most likely meet at Donaldson & Guenther, whether on the phone, from the web or when you walk in the door. Ann is our practice manager at D&G. She is a delightful person with a twinkle in her eye and a ready, kind smile and chuckle. A true expert in dental insurance and financial arrangements; Ann has many patients call seeking her information on insurance plans, flex spending and other benefits. She helps people with personal scheduling and financial arrangements so the dentistry they want fits well into their life.

Ann is one organized lady. She keeps that great smile and a chuckle intact as she manages the office and finishes raising five of her six boys! She enjoys yoga and Jazzercise several times a week. Weekends are filled with campfires and dinner parties with her family and friends. She and her husband enjoy annual mission trips to Guatemala and are very involved with their schools and church. Ann is also very excited to have another girl in the family… finally! Son Jeremy married a fabulous young lady! One down with five to go.

Ann looks forward to assisting you with your next appointment and making sure you receive all the dental insurance benefits you have available.

Dental Hygienists

Mary Pawloski

Fall 2009 starts my 16th year as a dental hygienist at Donaldson & Guenther, and I still really enjoy coming to work.

I am a prevention specialist who works hard with each patient to help them reach the level of health they desire. I feel hygiene appointments must be positive and don’t allow those old hygiene guilt trips to undermine people. My patients are very important to me and I strive to deliver a superior service with your needs in mind. Your appointment with me is about you.

I have personally experienced almost all of the dental services we offer here at Donaldson & Guenther. Feel free to ask me for any insight I might be able to shed on what you may expect with your treatment.

On the personal side, you will see pictures of my home life in my room. I am a farm girl with a menagerie of livestock. I have raised everything from chickens to goats, sheep to horses and currently I am enjoying raising my 2 baby potbellied pigs. I split my home time between my animals, volunteering and following Michigan State sports. I have a daughter in her junior year there and I never turn down a fun bet on a MSU/UM game.

Everyone at Donaldson & Guenther is committed to making sure you are well cared for each time you visit us. We look forward to meeting and working with you.

Kelly Planko

Kelly was born and raised in Michigan and currently lives in New Hudson. She graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2000 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and received her classes highest clinical honor, the Golden Scaler Award. She is also certified in administering local anesthesia, which she does gently and expertly. Kelly has been working with D&G since 2003 and really enjoys her job. Our patients consistently comment very positively about her combination of gentleness, thoroughness and professionalism.

After 8 years of marriage, Kelly and husband Shawn recently became very happy parents to a wonderful son, Aiden. For recreation, Kelly enjoys bowling (with many near 300 games!!), biking and spending time with her family. She is also always looking for a good recipe and is a wonderful cook. Kelly provides each patient with gentle, thorough and preventive care. She looks forward to seeing you in our office soon and working with you to meet your personal dental goals.

Clinical Assistants

Irene Hernandez

As a dental assistant for Donaldson & Guenther, I find that it is my priority in ensure a comfortable, efficient and smooth flowing dental appointments. I am typically seen wearing surgical scrubs because I work with Dr. Donaldson during most of our implant and other surgical appointments. I am also highly experienced in the laboratory and fabricate the office’s bite guards and other appliances.

I was raised in Michigan and am bilingual; speaking fluent Spanish and English. I find this very helpful because we are a practice that sees people from around the world every week so I use my Spanish frequently. At home, I enjoy entertaining and cooking great food with my friends! I have two young children who are in school here in Ann Arbor. We enjoy time at the park, soccer games for my son, or just resting in “mi casa”.

I hope to see you soon and feel free to ask me any questions you may have regarding your next dental procedure, I am here to help any way I can.