Meet Your Dentists in Meridian, ID
John D. McMurray, DDS
For more than 30 years, Dr. John McMurray has been dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to individuals and families in the Treasure Valley. For the past 25 years, he has proudly served patients at Legacy Smiles, building a practice founded on trust, compassion, and lasting relationships.
Dr. McMurray earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Utah before receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry in 1996.
Throughout his career, Dr. McMurray has remained committed to professional excellence through extensive continuing education and advanced training in orthodontics, dental implants, restorative dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. His experience allows him to provide comprehensive treatment solutions while helping patients achieve healthy, functional, and confident smiles. Known for his thoughtful approach and decades of clinical experience, he enjoys helping patients restore both the health and appearance of their smiles through personalized treatment planning. He is an active member of the TEAMACT Study Club, as well as the Idaho State Dental Association and the American Dental Association®.
In addition to caring for patients, Dr. McMurray has devoted significant time to serving the community. His contributions have included volunteer work with Head Start and Give Kids A Smile, serving as Chief of Dentistry at Saint Alphonsus, and supporting initiatives that expand access to quality dental care throughout the region.
What Dr. McMurray values most about dentistry is the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and care for patients through every stage of life. Many of the families he serves have trusted him with their dental care for multiple generations, a privilege he considers one of the most rewarding aspects of his profession.
Outside the office, Dr. McMurray enjoys backcountry trail running in Idaho's mountains, spending time outdoors with his dog Jax, serving in his church, and making memories with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
After more than three decades in practice, he remains grateful for the trust of his patients and the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives each day.
Daxton B. Pulham, DDS
Dr. Daxton Pulham is a general dentist dedicated to providing comprehensive care that supports both the health and appearance of his patients' smiles. He believes exceptional dentistry begins with honest communication, thoughtful treatment planning, and a commitment to long-term oral health. Since serving patients in the Treasure Valley beginning in 2017, he has enjoyed helping individuals and families achieve healthy, functional, and confident smiles through personalized care and modern dental techniques.
Dr. Pulham earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Dixie State University before completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at Indiana University School of Dentistry. Since joining Legacy Smiles Family Dental in 2021, he has enjoyed providing a full spectrum of care, from preventive and restorative dentistry to advanced cosmetic and surgical procedures.
Dedicated to lifelong learning and clinical excellence, Dr. Pulham has pursued advanced training in Invisalign®, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, bone grafting, extractions, and comprehensive restorative treatment. His broad clinical experience allows him to provide many advanced treatments in-house, helping patients receive convenient, comprehensive care from a dentist they know and trust. He is also an active member of the TEAMACT Study Club, as well as the Idaho State Dental Association and the American Dental Association®.
Dr. Pulham takes a comprehensive approach to dentistry that considers not only the health of the teeth, but also overall function, comfort, and long-term wellness. He has a particular interest in airway health, sleep-related concerns, and identifying underlying factors that may contribute to dental problems. His treatment philosophy emphasizes prevention, preservation of natural tooth structure, and individualized treatment planning. By combining proven traditional dental treatments with modern restorative techniques, he helps patients achieve healthy, functional, and confident smiles that last.
Dr. Pulham's passion for dentistry began while participating in Operation Smile as a student, where he saw firsthand the life-changing impact a healthy smile can have on a person's confidence and quality of life. That experience continues to shape his commitment to improving both the health and appearance of his patients' smiles.
He believes the best dentistry combines technical excellence, patient education, and genuine relationships. By taking time to understand each patient's goals and concerns, he helps individuals and families make informed decisions about their oral health.
In his free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, biking, swimming, and spending time outdoors with his family. He also admits to finding a surprising amount of satisfaction in mowing the lawn.
