About Us

Our Practice Philosophy

Drs. Leary, Burroughs & Woods Family Dentistry was organized in 1995.  Our guiding philosophy from the beginning was to build a successful practice based on the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, technical competence, and patient care.

We’re happy to note that our practice is flourishing, as so many of our patients refer their friends and family to us.  We have a commitment to providing comprehensive dentistry to our patients.  We regularly attend local and national continuing education courses to constantly update our knowledge and skills.  It is our goal to customize treatment plans to each individual’s needs and to be able to provide the majority of the needed services here in our office.

Dr. Tamara A LearyLeary

I was born and raised in Rockville, Maryland.  My Bachelor of Science was in Zoology from the University of Maryland.  I graduated in 1990 with a Doctor of Dental Surgery also from University of Maryland.  After graduation, I volunteered for the U.S. Army and attended an extensive one year Dental Residency Program in Ft. Jackson, South Carolina.  Over the next four years, I served as an army dentist in Wurzburg, Germany and Ft. Meade, Maryland, gaining additional skills and experience.

I have had the pleasure of being in private practice in Gambrills since 1995.  I opened this office in October of 2000.  We have enjoyed such growth and support from the community that in 20O3 Dr. Burroughs joined our group and most recently Dr. Woods in 2OO7.  I truly enjoy my profession and continue to enhance my skills in a variety of cosmetic and surgical areas.  In the last few years I have been excited to add implant surgery to my practice.

Volunteering in the community has always been a priority of mine.  I have attended five Maryland Mission of Mercy events around the state and regularly treat patients from the Donated Dental programs, The Department of Aging and The House of Hope Homeless Shelter.  I have two wonderful grown children and live locally.  I enjoy my family, friends, traveling and many outdoor activities.

woodsDr. Michelle Woods

I grew up in Albany, New York.  In 1984, I graduated with an Associates degree in Dental Hygiene then later furthered my education and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology.

I worked as a hygienist for seven years before going back to school to become a dentist.  In 1995, I graduated from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree.  Right out of dental school, I completed a one year residency in general dentistry at Eastman Dental Center (Rochester, N.Y.).

I worked as a dentist in the Maryland area for over ten years. In 2011, I joined Drs. Leary and Burroughs and became the third partner in our practice.

I reside in Laurel with my husband Larry and son Dylan. Besides my passion for dentistry, I enjoy traveling, shopping, and spending time with my family and friends.

Dr. John Battinelli

We are excited to announce the addition of Dr. John Battinelli to our practice! He will be working solely with Dr. Leary and her patients. Dr. Leary first met Dr. Battinelli several years ago on a dental mission trip to Honduras, one of several missions he participated in over the years. He first volunteered and later worked in our office full time for 15 months prior to receiving his formal training. He is a smart, talented young dentist with a heart for the patient-centered dentistry so important to our practice philosophy. You will come to realize he can provide the same compassionate, quality care you have become accustomed to receiving from Dr. Leary.

Dr. Battinelli grew up in Ellicott City, Maryland and has remained in the area his whole life. He attended Calvert Hall College High School in Towson, MD and then the University of Maryland, College Park- Go Terps! After spending a year working for Drs. Leary, Burroughs, and Woods, he attended the University of Maryland School of Dentistry in Baltimore where he earned his DDS. While in dental school he joined several philanthropic and cultural organizations and was invited to join Gamma Pi Delta Prosthodontic Honors Society and The Gorgas Odontological Honorary Society; both are honorary dental societies with scholarship as a basis for admission. In addition to the regularly required clinical skills and curriculum, he completed a Clerkship in Implant Prosthodontics where he spent extra hours learning about and completing various cases with patients receiving dental Implants. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys staying active and playing sports including volleyball, golf, and pickleball! He also enjoys spending time on the water and in Ocean City with family and friends.

We hope to have him as part of our practice for many years to come! Dr. Battinelli’s schedule is Wednesday and Friday, 8am to 2pm

Dr. Lory Richter

Dr. Lory Richter has been practicing compassionate dentistry for 16 years. She is an Anne Arundel County native, having graduated from Chesapeake High School in 1999. She stayed in Maryland to attend college at Mount St Mary’s University where she graduated in 2003, with a Bachelor of Science degree.  Dr. Richter then studied and graduated from Howard University College of Dentistry in 2007, where she received awards for Outstanding Performance and Proficiency in Operative Dentistry and Fixed Prosthodontics. She is a member of the Maryland State Dental Association and American Dental Association.
 
Dr Richter has spent 16 years practicing Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Harford and Cecil Counties while living in the City of Baltimore.  She has since moved back home to Anne Arundel County to raise her family.  In her spare time, Dr. Richter enjoys reading, gardening and spending time on the water, crabbing, swimming and boating.  She also loves music and cheering on the Ravens and Orioles.  More importantly however, Dr. Lory is most at home when spending time with her husband and baby.

Meet Our Dental Hygienist

Teresa Purdum, R.D.H.

I graduated from Baltimore City Community College with an Associate’s degree in Applied Science and a certificate in Dental Hygiene in 2008.  I have worked in the dental field for 14 years and continue to further my knowledge by maintaining 15 continuing education credits every year.

I pride myself in taking exceptional care of my patients. I enjoy getting to know them personally and strive to keep their visits comprehensive and comfortable.

In my free time, I love to spend time with my husband and daughter, Madelyn. We enjoy playing and exercising with our border collie/husky puppy.  For fun I enjoy girls’ night out with my sisters and friends.