Justin S. Hughes

Dr. Hughes didn’t always plan to follow in his father’s footsteps. (You may know Dr. Justin Hughes is the son of our Founder, Dr. John Hughes.) A somewhat rugged individualist, Dr. Hughes wanted to make his own way… possibly do something different than dentistry.

He says, “There wasn’t a sudden realization, some defining moment.  It was a series of events…baby steps. Little by little, the decisions I made and the experiences I had led to where I am today. 

He tells about how during High School, he took an Outward Bound course with a group of other young people. “You’re out there in the wilderness on your own as a group. You learn teamwork and trust. You also learn some things about yourself.”

After high school, he attended a small college in California with plans to major in business. That didn’t click. He considered medicine. That wasn’t the right fit either.

“Eventually,” he says, “I decided to enroll in dental school. It was there I found I enjoy dentistry, every aspect of it. And as my training progressed, I learned I most enjoyed performing root canals. There are no two cases alike except for one thing, most of the time my patients are in pain. They need help and they need it now. It’s a high honor to give them the help they need.

Following in my father’s footsteps? That was cool. But the opportunity to work with my father, it became clear to me, would be a priceless privilege. Many times I’ve reflected on how glad I am I made that choice.”

When away from the intense focus of his professional life, Dr. Hughes spends most of his time with family activities. He and his wife, Wendy, have four children.

He says, “When I can squeeze it in, I enjoy golf. I love to snow ski. In my junior year in high school, I spent three months away from home to attend a ski academy in Telluride, Colorado. Actually, I enjoy almost any sort of exercise.

Bottom line, I feel like I’m doing exactly what I was born to do. I’m blessed with a wonderful family, and I love my job.”