About Donaldson & Guenther
Dr. Kirk Donaldson
Kirk went to the University of Michigan for college, dental school (1980) and graduate school (1983). His masters degree is in the dental specialty area of prosthodontics. Basically he is trained to handle very complex dental crown and bridge work for patients with tricky bite problems. That is where his expertise in dental porcelain and cosmetics started. Kirk has also always been precise and comfortable in surgical realms and root canal treatment. 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 fine dentist. Kirk has a broad array of interests, is the proud father of two growing boys and husband to Kristin. Yes, Donaldson & Guenther are partners both ways-at work and at home. The whole family enjoys theater, opera, classical music, art, reading and the great outdoors. Kirk is a person of faith and started going to Guatemala on mission in 2003. Athletically, Kirk was a UM diver and a nationally ranked sailor in the Snipe class. In recent years his outdoor interests have turned to the mountains; hiking, backpacking, climbing and skiing. He still gets in a sailboat race now and then.
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 has sought out the finest in advanced training in high tech root canal treatment and advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry.
Kristin takes great joy in her boys-Ian and Nathan-and Kirk (yes, they’re married). Kristin enjoys taking piano lessons and attending concerts, plays and art exhibits. She is a skilled horseback rider, a wonderful gardener and puts up with Kirk’s adventure vacations with a smile most of the time.
Ann Schrot
Ann is the practice manager for Donaldson and Guenther. She is a delightful person and a true expert in dental insurance and financial arrangements. She helps patients plan financially so the dental work they want fits into their life. Ann is well versed in flex spending accounts, insurance issues, financial arrangements and scheduling. Ann is one organized lady. She keeps a great smile and a chuckle intact as she manages the office of Donaldson & Guenther while raising six boys. She is the room mom for one class and sits on the administrative board for her boy’s school and church. She also is the primary social director for her extensive list of close friends.
Kara Lund
If you hear the laughter in our office, it’s probably around Kara. Kara is our everything person. She is skilled at the front desk with scheduling and records as well as in the treatment rooms. She has excellent experience in both realms. Kara is a skilled archer. In the fall she is up in her tree stand, ready with her bow before getting to the office by 7 am. Having lived in Texas for a number of years, Kara retains a bit of the accent and can do a mean two step.
Our Hygienists
Carol has worked with Dr. Donaldson since the late 1980’s and has been our steady positive torch. Carol comes from a deep caring perspective that is expressed in and out of work. She blends kindness and thoroughness in the office and volunteers extensively in the community. “Still waters run deep” applies to Carol. She and her husband also play host to some of our office events. Just don’t get in a canoe with her unless the sun is shining and the water is warm.
Mary has as passionate a following of any hygienist we have ever met. She is known for her brief therapeutic head/face massage prior to starting procedures. She is a leader in our practice and keeps us all on our toes with new and better ideas, techniques and continuing education. Mary was one of the very first hygienists in the State of Michigan to receive her license for dental anesthesia- which she does with her characteristically wonderful gentle touch. Mary is also an avid horseback rider and does volunteer work with handicapped children each summer and with indigent women each week.
Kelly is a superb clinician. She has a gentle, personable style and excellent diagnostic and technical skills. Kelly is also licensed in dental anesthesia. Kelly and her husband add greatly to the office fun factor. She even got the doc’s to sponsor her bowling team where she has missed a 300 game by only one strike.
Clinical Assistants
Donaldson & Guenther is very fortunate to have two (three including Kara) very advanced chairside clinical assistants. They share responsibilities between the two doctors and have a wealth of knowledge and experience between them. Irene is particularly talented with technical aspects of dentistry. She now designs and fabricates many of our laboratory appliances like bite guards. She is also a stellar Mexican cook. Ask the staff who they want to cook for us-it will be Irene.
Lori comes to us with a wealth of background in hospital and specialty dentistry form her years on the northeast side of Detroit. She was very fussy when she selected her new practice. We count ourselves very fortunate to have this organized and talented assistant. Lori has a young family and is quite active with her church.
