However, he is about to take on a much more formidable construction project after being named the new pro-vice-chancellor of the division of health sciences, and dean of the Otago Medical School.
The medical school and Dunedin Hospital have always had close links - a proportion of the hospital is university facilities - and that arrangement will continue in the building of a new hospital, a $1.4billion project announced in May.
''One of the immediate priorities for me is to engage with the hospital rebuild project,'' Prof Bunton said.
Building is in his background and blood.
He was involved in building projects at the universities of Leeds and Manchester.
''My father was a builder, so I have a track record of being on building sites since I was a wee boy.''
Despite his firm foundations in dentistry, Prof Brunton had few concerns about expanding his portfolio to incorporate all the health sciences schools at the University of Otago.
''Being a clinician gives you a unique insight into our colleagues in the other health professions,'' he said.
''I work very closely with the other deans in health services already, so I already have very good knowledge of what is going on in other parts of the division ... it's a very collegial environment, and I don't envisage that will change.''
Outgoing dean of the medical school, Peter Crampton - who has led the school for seven and a-half years - will remain on the faculty as a teacher and researcher.
''Peter leaves a very strong foundation and I see my role to build on that,'' Prof Brunton said.
''I have my own ideas about certain things, but generally the direction of travel will be similar.''
