Our Practice
Over three decades of award-winning dentistry in Southern Utah, built on a single foundation: exceptional craft-level quality, every single time.
- Founder
Born and raised in Cedar City, Utah, Dr. Boren attended Southern Utah University before being accepted into the Utah/Nebraska RDEP dental program — spending his first year with medical students at the University of Utah, then completing his D.D.S. at Creighton University Dental School in Omaha, Nebraska.
He graduated Cum Laude, ranking #1 in clinical skills in his entire class. He was named the best student in Prosthodontics, General Dentistry, and Implant Dentistry (ICOI Award), placed on the Dean's List, and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society.
After school he trained for a year and a half under Dr. Dean Doyle, D.D.S. — a pioneer in the then-emerging field of implant dentistry — before returning to St. George to open his own practice.
Dr. Boren was the first full-service dental implant practice and the first sleep dentistry (IV sedation) practice in Southern Utah, and remains one of the rare dentists in the region to offer IV sedation for all dental procedures.
The numbers say what a bio cannot.
Over 30 Years in St. George
4.9 ★ Google Rating
Thousands of Sedations, Safely Performed
First Full-Service Implant Dentist in Southern Utah
Dr. Boren has a natural talent for precision work and has described dentistry as "the best profession in the world" for him. An undying perfectionist, he has had a job since he was 7 years old and attributes much of his success to the wide variety of skills that work taught him. Outside the office, he's passionate about woodworking, 3D printing, 3D CAD design, pen making, scuba diving, golf, photography, and all things computers — he even built this website himself. He's also a proud patent pending holder, an entrepreneur, and a thankful cancer survivor.
What is he working on now? He is developing a board game! Pulling from all his other passions — woodworking, 3D printing, 3D CAD design, drawing — and all the little details to make it come to life.
"It's all about the details."
— Dane A. Boren, D.D.S.
A small, dedicated team that treats every patient with the same care and respect they'd want for their own family.
Receptionist
Peggy is the welcoming voice you'll first hear when calling our office. With her genuine warmth and exceptional kindness, she creates an immediate sense of care and comfort for every patient. Peggy consistently goes the extra mile to assist with whatever you need — whether it's answering questions, coordinating appointments, or navigating insurance matters. Her remarkable skill in handling insurance processes ensures patients receive the maximum reimbursement possible.
In her free time she loves yoga, golf, biking and running. She has run several marathons in many places. She also enjoys making grandbabies blankets let alone just loving the grandkids! She loves traveling and cooking, and is a foodie (like her husband).
Assistant
Shantilly is a highly skilled and deeply caring team member who truly prioritizes your comfort. She goes out of her way to ensure you feel relaxed and at ease throughout your visit, always with a bright smile, cheerful attitude, and genuine warmth. You'll immediately sense that you're in excellent, compassionate hands.
On her off hours she loves snowboarding, especially at her favorite... Brighton Ski Resort. She also loves to camp and go fly fishing. And don't forget her favorite Jack — her cute little dog. Oh... and her homemade salsa is to die for.
Assistant
Kinsie is our newest team member and fit in perfectly right from the beginning. Whether she's welcoming you at the front desk or helping chairside, her versatility shines through—she excels at everything she does. With her bright smile and upbeat personality, Kinsie is truly a joy to be around and makes patients feel instantly at ease.
Outside the office Kinsie loves baking (she makes incredible sourdough bread!), reading a good book, hanging with friends, fishing, traveling, and anything that involves soaking in the sun.
Hygienist
For 42 years, Melanie Merrill has cared for smiles as a dedicated dental hygienist, building genuine relationships with her kindness and attentiveness. She excels at putting patients at ease and is certified in dental lasers for advanced care. Melanie also educates and mentors future hygienists. Her warmth, expertise, and commitment make her a cherished part of the practice and community.
In her free time, she enjoys pickleball, quilting, travel, and scrapbooking.
Dr. Boren's son is in dental school. When he finishes, he is coming here.
After more than thirty years of building this practice around one standard, do it right the first time, every time, the most meaningful thing on my horizon is not a new machine or a new technique.
Caden Dru Boren is currently a dental student at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. He graduates with his D.D.S. in May 2029, and he plans to join this practice as soon as possible after that.
He grew up around this office. He did not have to be taught what we stand for here. He watched it for a lifetime.
"The education at the University of Utah is absolutely amazing, with a strong emphasis on clinical experience, exposure to patients, and the link between oral and systemic health.
Like my dad, I am drawn to all aspects of dentistry. I can't pinpoint a single part of the profession and say it is my favorite, because the profession as a whole is my favorite.
Crowns, bridges, and fillings require attention to detail. Implants and oral surgery require problem-solving and composure under pressure. Periodontics and orthodontics require patience and consistency.
I am working tirelessly to gain the knowledge and skills to deliver the best possible care."
— Caden Dru Boren, University of Utah School of Dentistry, D.D.S.
I did not tell him to say that.
Read it again: Attention to detail. Composure under pressure. Patience and consistency.
That is not a student listing subjects. That is someone who already understands that dentistry is a craft, and that the difference between adequate work and excellent work is measured in fractions of a millimeter.
Everything we do here, including the crowns, the implants, the root canals, the surgical work, is built on those three things. And nearly all of it happens while our patients are comfortably sedated, which is what allows us to take the time that kind of care actually requires.
He is not walking into a job. He is walking into a standard.
Nothing changes today. I am here, and I am not going anywhere.
But if you are weighing whether to start long-term work with us (implants, full-mouth restoration, treatment meant to last the rest of your life) this is worth knowing:
The care behind this practice has a future, and it has my name on it.
Caden Boren is a dental student and is not yet licensed to practice. He does not currently treat patients at Excellent Dentistry. All care is provided by Dr. Dane A. Boren, D.D.S.
Complimentary consultations available. We'd love to hear from you.
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