She graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. She received her Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Illinois. Her postgraduate periodontal residency was completed at Boston University. She also earned a Masters in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific Eberhardt School of Business. She has published several articles in respected journals, is a contributing author of the clinical text Hall’s Critical Decisions in Periodontology, and has developed widely used periodontal education materials. Dr. Bruce has lectured extensively to dental organizations and provided the community with numerous seminars on periodontal and treatment. Dr. Bruce practices in the Faculty Dental Service Group at Pacific and maintains a private practice in Oakland, California.