Mr Duston Connaughton

Duston is a dental-lifer. His first job, at the age of 13, was as a janitor in a dental office. He then worked his way throughout the office as an assistant and finally a dentist. Duston loves to share his passion as he has been on the faculty at the Idaho State University Dental Residency Program. He currently helps train and mentor dentists throughout the United States on CAD/CAM (CEREC®) dentistry. Duston graduated from Southern Utah University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and earned many honors as a member of the football team. He then moved to Seattle, where he attended Seattle University and studied chemistry while working in cutting-edge medical research under a world-renowned rheumatologist. From Seattle, Duston and his family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to attend Creighton University Dental School. While attending dental school, Duston worked as a lead dental assistant for a practice that was open evenings and weekends. Dentistry became his life as he was immersed in it 24/7. With a more proper balance, dentistry has become a true passion. Duston purchased the practice of Dr. John Kriz in 2003 and they worked together for four years. Dr. Kriz served as a wonderful mentor to Duston over that time. Dr. Connaughton worked with Dr. Jill Wagers for 10 years as partners at Emerald Dental Associates before Duston branched out with his team to form Tree City Family Dental in January 2014. Duston loves the art of dentistry and making positive changes in people’s lives. Outside of the office, Duston enjoys his five kiddos, Daniel, Sophia, Grace, Emery, and Ella; his beautiful wife, Jessica; and their three dogs, Doug, Ted, and Frank. He is an amateur photographer and weekend warrior, spending free time on the slopes, trails, and rivers of our wonderful outdoor playground.