Dr. Maria earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Loyola University before attending LSU School of Dentistry, where she graduated in 1993 alongside her sister, Dr. Valerie. She has pursued advanced training in TMJ diagnosis and treatment and Invisalign® through the Center for Advanced Dental Studies, and she has been a member of the New Orleans, Louisiana, and American Dental Associations since 1993. Outside the office, Dr. Maria and her husband Barron are parents to three sons, and she plays the organ and sings at Visitation of Our Lady Parish.
Meet Dr. BurmasterAbout Barataria Dental · Marrero, LA · Since 1965
A family practice on Barataria Boulevard, two generations deep.
Barataria Dental is a general, family, and cosmetic dentistry practice, founded in 1965 by Dr. Guy Ribando. Today, Dr. Maria Burmaster and Dr. Valerie Hemphill carry on their father’s practice, now at Barataria Dental. We are conveniently located in Marrero, Louisiana, and serve the entire West Bank of New Orleans.
Why You Can Trust Us
Thirty years of the same two dentists, and a team you’ll know by name.
Most of the people in our chairs were sent by someone who already trusts us — a parent, a neighbor, a coworker. That is how a practice grows on the West Bank, and it only happens when the care holds up visit after visit, year after year.
Our family-focused dentist office provides comprehensive dentistry for children and adult patients. Our dental care team is well versed in all aspects of oral development and provides tailored treatment for growing and aging smiles. We help children feel safe in the dentist’s office environment so that they may receive high-quality dental care to prevent the development of childhood oral disease, structural concerns related to the jaw, and tooth misalignment. A lifetime of healthy smiles begins with routine pediatric dental care and at-home oral hygiene.
Comprehensive care, under one roof
Periodontal treatment, TMJ treatment, extractions, root canals, implant restorations, cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign and dentures of all kinds, so you will be less likely to need to see a specialist for dental concerns.
Function first, then the smile
More than just cosmetic dentists, our doctors focus on the functional aspects of the smile, to repair any imbalance or misalignment that is causing a cosmetic concern.
Every age, ages 1 to 100
Your entire family can be seen at Barataria Dental. We help children feel safe in the dentist’s office environment, and we tailor treatment for growing and aging smiles.
Recognized by New Orleans magazine
We are proud to be recognized as a “Top New Orleans Dentist” by New Orleans magazine!
Meet the Doctors
Meet Dr. Burmaster and Dr. Hemphill
Sisters, classmates, and now partners — Dr. Maria and Dr. Valerie have practiced side by side since the day they graduated dental school together. Thirty years later, they still share the same philosophy: listen first, explain clearly, and never recommend treatment you wouldn’t choose for your own family.
Dr. Maria Ribando Burmaster, D.D.S.
Dr. Valerie Ribando Hemphill, D.D.S.
A lifelong West Bank resident who still calls Marrero home, Dr. Valerie earned her Bachelor of Science from Southeastern Louisiana University and graduated from LSU School of Dentistry in 1993 — the same day as her sister, Dr. Maria. She completed additional training in TMJ disorder, occlusion, and Invisalign® through the Dawson Center and has been an active member of the New Orleans, Louisiana, and American Dental Associations since 1993. She and her husband, Dr. Philip Hemphill, have five children, and she is active in stewardship at Visitation of Our Lady.
Meet Dr. HemphillBoth doctors volunteer with Donated Dental Services, a national program that provides care to people with disabilities and those in need. And behind them is a team that’s been with us for years — the same familiar faces at the front desk, the same hygienists who remember what you told them last visit. Meet Our Team
Our Mission
To care for every patient the way we’d care for our own family.
Our Practice Promise
Treated like family
A second-generation practice with four dentists in our immediate family. We treat patients as we would treat a member of our own family.
Your time, respected
Seated within 10 minutes of your appointment time, often before. We do not double or triple book, so your appointment is exclusive and unrushed.
A full hour to get to know you
Your first visit is a conversation, not a procedure — and with so much care offered here, you will be less likely to need a specialist.
Comfort is a commitment
Nitrous oxide-oxygen conscious sedation whenever it is needed, techniques that minimize the discomfort of injections, and a follow-up call after major procedures.
Heard before treated
We take the time to listen to your concerns so that your fears are heard and addressed before beginning your dental treatment.
Come see what dentistry feels like when you’re not a number.
Dr. Maria Burmaster, Dr. Valerie Hemphill, and our entire team would love to welcome you to our Marrero, LA practice — right under the big oak on Barataria Blvd.
Barataria Dental · 2272 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072 · 504-341-3120