Meet the Staff

Dr. Michael Kirsch received his Dental degree from the University Of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry in 1987. He went on to complete his specialty training in Periodontics in 1989 at the University of Iowa College Of Dentistry. He completed his Masters Degree in Periodontics with an award winning investigation into the role of Bisphosphonates in dental applications.

Since 1989, Dr Kirsch has been involved in private practice of Periodontics. He has been serving the Heartland area exclusively since 1995. The practice specialty includes all phases of Periodontics with an emphasis on general periodontal therapy, dental implants, and oral medicine.

Dedicated to staying abreast of the latest in Periodontics innovation, Dr. Kirsch is strongly committed to continuing dental education. He usually accumulates twice the required Continuing Education Credits required to maintain licensure and has lectured on topics concerning Periodontics to local and regional audiences.

A leader by nature, Dr Kirsch is committed to the dental profession, and has held numerous local, regional, and state offices and committee appointments, including past president of the West Coast District Dental Association. He is also a member of the following professional associations:

American Dental Association
American Academy of Periodontology
Southern Academy of Periodontology
Florida Academy of Periodontology
American College of Oral Implantology
American Society of Osseointegration
International Congress of Oral Implantology
Fellow of Pierre Fauchard Academy (international dental honor society.)

On a Personal Note...

Dr Kirsch shares an office with his wife, Dr. Gayle Obermayr, an endodontist. This dental couple has two children that keep them busy when not in the office. The family spends time participating in various sporting, school, family and church activities. Dr. Kirsch enjoys golfing, reading, coin collecting and time in the great outdoors.

Lisa Terrell

Lisa is well matched for her position with Dr Kirsch as a patient care coordinator. With a strong background in customer service, Lisa has been a member of the Heartland Periodontics team for 12 years. She is a certified medical secretary, who has obtained her radiology certificate as well.

What I really like about my job is the variety of tasks involved in working as a patient care coordinator, and working in a progressive office.

Danyle Berish, EFDA

Danyle joined the Heartland Periodontic team in 2002 and brings skills as both a chair side dental assistant, and patient care coordinator which allows flexibility within the team structure. She holds an Associates degree in Office Technology (medical secretary), and has earned both Expanded Functions and Radiology certification.

Working with Dr Kirsch has enabled me to expand and utilize my skills in both clinical and clerical aspects of patient care.

Tammy Surrency, EFDA

Tammy is an expanded functions certified dental assistant who also has earned her radiology and infection control certificates. Her chair side surgical assisting skills are kept up-to-date by attending continuing education courses throughout the year. She has been a member of the Heartland Periodontics team since February 2000.

I like working in a specialty office. It is rewarding to know you are helping patients have a healthier mouth, and overall general health.

Tina Thompson, EFDA

Tina joined Heartland Periodontics in 2006 after working for 10 years in a general practice setting as chairside assistant and office manager. Tina holds certifications for expanded function dental assistant, temporary crown and bridge, and nitrous sedation from the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Having worked as front desk and assistant, I have seen all aspects of dentistry. I enjoy the clinical the most, being as you are one-on-one with the patient and helping make healthy, beautiful smiles. Since I began working for Dr. Kirsch, I realize the importance of the specialists working in this area.

Leise Belcher, RDH

Leise is a 1984 graduate of St. Petersburg Jr. College where she obtained her Associates degree in Dental Hygiene. She is a member of Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. With over 22 years experience in the field of dental Hygiene, Leise brings a wealth of expertise from both a general dentistry aspect, as well as periodontal specialization.

Keeping abreast of the many changes in dentistry over the years has kept it interesting. I like working with people one on one, and addressing each individual’s unique needs. Longevity in the same practice also allow you to really get to know your patients on a more personal level.

Debbie Wolf, CDA, RDH

With over 24 years in the dental field, Debbie is a Dental Hygienist with Associates degrees in both Dental Hygiene, and Dental assisting. After graduating with high honors, she obtained her national certification in chair side assisting earning her CDA credentials. Her dedication to the profession continues thru numerous continuing education courses, completing well over the required amount biannually. A team member since 1998, her role has expanded to include the duties of Health and Safety officer for the dental team, providing OSHA and Infection control training, and implementing HIPAA compliance practices.

Working with Dr. Kirsch has allowed me to utilize a wide variety of skills, and has provided the motivation and encouragement to further my training and expertise in areas I would never have thought to pursue. As dentistry evolves, we continue to strive to stay abreast of innovations and technological advances that improve patients care.