Christopher H. Hughes, DMD

A Herrin native, serving his community with excellence in dentistry

Dr. Hughes was born and raised in Herrin, Illinois — his family in Herrin goes back three generations. He attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel grade school and graduated from Herrin High School in 1980. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri in 1984, and his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree in 1989 from Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton, IL.

After dental school, Dr. Hughes completed post-graduate training in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry at the Pankey Institute in Key Biscayne, FL, and at the UCLA School of Dentistry. He received his initial oral implantology training at New York University in Manhattan, NY, and his IV conscious sedation certificate from the University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL.

Honours and recognition

Dr. Hughes has received numerous honours and recognition for professional achievement, including inclusion in the 2005 Guide to America’s Top Dentists. He is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and a Fellow of the International Society of Dento-Facial Esthetics. In 2004 he received the Bronze Award for Cosmetic Dentistry from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

He holds active membership in those organisations as well as the American Dental Association, the Southern Illinois Dental Society, and the Grows Implant Study Club, of which he was President in 2006–2007.

In November 2008, Dr. Hughes and his office were featured on the cover of Dental Economics, a nationally published monthly magazine featuring leading dentists and their offices across the U.S. In 2009 he completed a year-long course of advanced surgical training under the direct supervision and mentorship of Dr. Hilt Tatum, internationally recognised as one of the best implant and oral reconstructive surgeons in the world.

On 4 October 2012, Dr. Hughes received the honour of being recognised as a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology in Washington, D.C. at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. In 2013 he became a Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.

Comfort-focused care

Because of Dr. Hughes’ interest in making dental visits easy and comfortable — especially for the most anxious patients — he is licensed to administer intravenous conscious sedation.

Outside the practice

Dr. Hughes has two beautiful daughters, Marlo and Sofia. In addition to spending time with his family, he enjoys fitness activities including hiking, running, swimming, sailing and cycling.