Dr. Nista grew up locally in Oakmont after his parents moved their family to the Pittsburgh area in 1973. He attended The Pennsylvania State University at State College, PA, and in 1990 received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, with an emphasis on Vertebrate Physiology. After receiving his D.M.D. degree from Southern Illinois University in 1994 he completed a General Practice Residency program at the Veterans Affairs Medical center in Dayton, Ohio. After practicing in a Native American clinic out west, Dr. Nista came home to Western Pennsylvania. The Donegal Dental Center was opened in July of 2016.