Dr. Dan Bruce, D.D.S.

Dr. Dan Bruce

Dentistry is changing rapidly and I enjoy being a catalyst for change that improves people's lives. The connection between oral health and a person's overall health is being substantiated with more and more scientific evidence. This makes my job more important than ever and I take that responsibility very seriously. In addition to the scientific aspect of dentistry, I really enjoy the relationships that are formed over a lifetime of practice. I want my patients to know they will always receive a fair and honest assessment and are able to ask any questions they want. I take it as a compliment when someone allows our team to treat them and we will always try to exceed your expectations.

Dental and Continuing Education

I am a third generation native of Boise. After attending Bishop Kelly High School I received a B.S. in Biology, with a minor chemistry, from the College of Idaho. During college I enjoyed being a member of the basketball and soccer teams, as well as participating the campus ministry and being a founding member of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity on campus. I graduated from the University of Washington School of Dentistry in 2005. While in school, I received awards and achievement-based scholarships in fixed prosthodontics (crowns and bridges), operative dentistry, gold work (inlays, onlays, crowns), and for state and national essay competitions on ethics in dentistry and geriatric dentistry.

Since graduation, I have pursued continuing education and training in several different areas.

Occlusion

I have attended several courses from the Dawson Academy regarding occlusion and esthetic dentistry. Occlusion refers to how the teeth fit together. A poor bite can result in tooth pain, bone loss, periodontal problems, tooth wear, TMJ pain, headaches and other problems. Understanding how to relieve stress on the teeth and chewing system helps me create restorations that are both esthetic and functional.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea occurs when a person stops breathing while sleeping. While a physician has to diagnosis this problem, dentists are in a unique position to screen for sleep apnea because we see patients regularly and are looking in the mouth, which can provide a number of signs that sleep apnea may occur. I also believe sleep apnea may be to blame for many dental problems, such as temporomandibular disorders, tooth pain, bruxism, and others. Please see our section on sleep apnea for more information.

Biocompatibility and Prevention

Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to interact favorably with the body. While many materials are FDA approved for use, they all have different characteristics. Zirconia (or zirconium dioxide), for example, is a very biocompatible material. It is, however, very hard, so it is important to understand the proper indications for use so you will not do damage to opposing teeth. Different types of composites also have different properties and compatibilities.

I will always make my treatment decisions based on scientific data, function and esthetics. Ease of use and price are always of secondary importance. Whatever I put in your mouth is something you will use and be exposed to for a long time--I want to make sure it is the best material possible.

Nothing is more biocompatible than natural tooth structure. We do our best to help people keep all their natural teeth with as few fillings as possible for as long as possible. Regular cleanings, proper diet, proper oral hygiene and early diagnosis of potential problems are all part of preventative maintenance.

Professional Memberships

Dr. Dan Bruce is a member of the following organizations:

Idaho & American Academy of General Dentistry
ISDA New Dentist Committee President
American Dental Association
Idaho State Dental Association
Southwest Dental Society
Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
Seattle Study Club, Boise chapter

Volunteer Activities

Outside of dentistry, I am blessed to have a wonderful wife and 3 beautiful, active children. Kristen, my wife is a graduate of the University of Portland and a former professional soccer player and coach (yes, she was/is a better soccer player than me!). He also enjoys the hiking the Idaho outdoors, flyfishing, running, soccer, basketball, and cycling.

Dr. Dan and the family.

I am in the yellow jersey riding along the South Fork of the Payette river for the Lyle Pearson 200. No, the yellow jersey does not mean I'm in the lead.