Dr. Charles Schumacher graduated from Westminster College (Fulton, MO) in 1982, going on to obtain his DDS at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1986. He began serving the Farmington, NM community that same year. 

Dr. Schumacher has earned fellowships from the American College of Dentists, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Pierre Fauchard Society in his time as a dentist in Farmington. He served as the president of the New Mexico Dental Association, playing a vital role in bringing Mission of Mercy to New Mexico. 

Dr. Schumacher is married and has a wonderful daughter. When he’s not caring for the health of our community, he enjoys skiing, fishing, hiking, and exploring the Four Corners. Our whole team at Desert Hills Dental Care would like to thank the community for voting Dr. Schumacher as “Best Dentist in Farmington, New Mexico,” in 2012.

Dr. Clarissa Burgess is a New Mexico native. After completing dental school at the University of Colorado’s School of Dental Medicine in 2010, Dr. Burgess returned to serve as Dental Director of Presbyterian Medical Services in Farmington, NM. In 2013, she joined Desert Hills Dental Care and has loved continuing her dental career with this team.

Dr. Burgess is an active member of the Northwest District Dental Society, and has served as president of the NWDDS, and is currently serving as a Trustee of the New Mexico Dental Board.

Since their marriage in 2013, Dr. Burgess, and her husband, Craig, have become parents to three beautiful girls. Becoming a mother made Dr. Burgess more aware of the importance of evaluating and treating tongue and lip ties in newborns and older children alike. In 2023, Dr. Burgess became a Certified Lactation Consultant and uses laser therapy to treat tongue and lip ties here at Desert Hills Dental Care.

Dr. Burgess and her family love all of the outdoor activities the Four Corners have to offer, including skiing, cycling, running, music festivals, and camping in their 1986 Westfalia VW Vanogan.

Jacob Collins, DDS

Dr. Jacob Collins arrived in the Four Corners early in life. Oklahoma natives and members of the Choctaw nation, his family relocated when he was a young boy so his father could serve as principal of a local school. They loved Northwest New Mexico so much that they settled permanently in the area.

Dr. Collins is a recent graduate of the industry-leading University of Michigan Dental School. He prepared to become a dentist for years, even when he didn’t know that’s where his career path would lead him. Dr. Collins first received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Brigham Young University. He worked as a gym teacher and coach for seven years while studying to attain his master’s degree in sports performance. His master’s opened the door to a professional strength and conditioning coaching job. 

Still, something was missing. Dr. Collins decided to change course and pursue a dental education in Michigan. He found his years of studying the body have enhanced his ability to be a compassionate dental provider. While they loved their time in Michigan, his family is thrilled to have returned to serve the Farmington area. 

Like the other doctors at Desert Hills, Dr. Collins shares his skills to give back to our community and underserved areas. He participated in a dental mission to Jamaica in 2020 and frequently served in a free dental clinic at the UofM dental school. He also volunteers with the Boy Scouts of America and Habitat for Humanity.

Dr. Collins has been married for 15 years to his wife Yaanibaa, who hails from Kayenta, AZ. The couple met at BYU and have five children, whose ages range from newborn to teenage. 

Dr. Collins and his family love being outdoors. Their favorite activities include mountain biking, skiing, camping, and fishing. He’s also a fan of football, baseball, and wrestling, as he wrestled throughout his years at Kirtland Central High School.