Dentistry to Dr. Johnson is much more than fixing teeth. It is about caring for and listening to his patients as well as providing a welcome and calm environment. He feels it is very important to have a dentist who fits your personality and who makes you feel at home. When a person comes into the office he strives to provide a comfortable, relaxing and positive experience where one's dental desires and needs are understood and met.
He became interested in dentistry while he was serving his mission in Scotland where he was inspired by an elder in the mission field who was a retired dentist and professor at UCLA. Upon returning from his mission, he attended the University of Utah and received his Bachelor of Science in Medical Biology. He went on to complete his graduate studies at Creighton University School of Dentistry were he received his Dental degree and top scores in Operative Dentistry on the National Boards.
Dr. Johnson believes excellence is not just an accomplishment but a journey toward being the best and continues to stay abreast on current advancements in dentistry through continued course work and study. In 2012 he received 6 months of comprehensive clinical training for placement of single and multiple implants through the Maxicourse offered by the American Academy of Implant Dentistry. He also accomplished the coursework necessary to become IV Sedation certified. In addition, he has maintained up to date coursework in Endodontics for root canal therapy, Oral Surgery for wisdom tooth extractions, Cosmetic Dentistry and Periodontics. He is a very comprehensive general dentist who has extensive experience and education in many modalities of dentistry.
Aside from dentistry, Dr Johnson loves spending time with his wife and children making memories skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, watching movies and, of course, golfing.
Linda grew up in Ohio. She attended The Ohio State University and received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Later she decided to change her career path and enter the field of dentistry. She attended Oregon Health & Science University in Portland where she received her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene in 2003. She moved to the Rogue Valley in 2004 and began her career as a Dental Hygienist.
At Dental Excellence Linda is our full-time Dental Hygienist. She has practiced Dental Hygiene with us since 2012 and considers Dental Excellence her permanent career home. She loves working in partnership with patients regarding the oral hygiene care of their teeth and gums. She also very much appreciates the connections she has the opportunity to make with patients.
When Linda is not in the office she spends much of her time enjoying recreational opportunities in the beauty and serenity of the mountains. She enjoys mountain biking, backpacking, skiing, photography and golf.
Maralee has been a local to the Rogue Valley her entire life; she loves Southern Oregon. She has been a Dental Assistant since 1989. During her 32 years as a Dental Assistant she has worked for many doctors, acquired numerous skills and talents from assisting in many different procedures and has gained an infinite amount of dental knowledge. She is a valuable source of information for our patients regarding dental procedures.
At Dental Excellence Maralee is our full time Dental Assistant sitting chairside with Doctor Johnson during most procedures. She also performs many invaluable behind-the-scenes tasks between procedures to keep the back office coordinated and organized.
Maralee welcomes patients with a kind, friendly personality . Before and during procedures, she strives to relieve dental anxieties and help patients achieve a sense of calm. This is her number one goal. She feels if she is able to help a person have a pleasant dental experience the dental office will be a much easier place to visit.
When Maralee is not at the office, she very much enjoys spending time with her family and grandkids. She also enjoys cooking, gardening, reading and yoga.
Autumn moved to the Rogue Valley in June 2020 from Wasilla Alaska where she grew up. She received her Dental Assisting Certification in 2014 from the University of Alaska Anchorage. Initially she worked as a chairside assistant in general dentistry, oral surgery and pediatric dentistry. In recent years she has become part of the Front Office working with all aspects of dental insurance, patient accounts and treatment plan coordination. She has a detailed, broad knowledge of insurance.
At Dental Excellence Autumn is our Insurance Specialist and Treatment Plan Coordinator as well as an occasional Assistant. She loves helping individuals understand treatment presented by Dr. Johnson and how insurance will help accomplish ones treatment needs. She is always willing and happy to answer any questions a patient may have about their insurance coverage and how it relates to treatment.
When Autumn is not in the office, she enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, four wheeling, road trips and snowmobiling or snowmachining as it is referred to in Alaska.
Jamie grew up in Ashland, she is a true local to the Rogue Valley. She entered the dental field in 2016 as a Dental Assistant. After assisting for a few years, she shifted to the front office and acquired expertise as a Front Office Specialist and Treatment Plan Coordinator explaining and presenting dental treatment plans to patients.
At Dental Excellence Jamie is our much appreciated "floater" between the front and the back office. Throughout each day she wears many hats. She works as a Dental Assistant, Front Office Specialist and Treatment Plan Coordinator. Her direct and behind the scenes efforts help the office to run smoothly.
Jamie finds that the most rewarding aspects of dentistry are the confidence and joy a person feels when their smile has been restored. She loves being part of that process.
When Jamie is not at the office she enjoys riding dirt bikes, paddle boarding, hiking, camping and backpacking while always having her best friend and beloved dog Lapua with her.