A Prosthodontist is a dentist who specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth. Most Prosthodontists receive two to three years of additional training after dental school in a program accredited by the American Dental Association based either at a hospital or a university. The training includes reviews of the literature, lectures, treatment of patients and laboratory experience in fabricating restorations.
The American Dental Association recognizes nine dental specialties, and the ADA does not include cosmetic dentistry as a specialty. Prosthodontists receive extensive training and experience in dental esthetics and cosmetics during their graduate programs which currently last three years. Many cosmetic dentists receive training during seminars or a series of courses, but this training is usually limited to weekend or possibly week long courses.
The prosthodontist is best viewed as the 'architect' of your dental project. He has the vision of your final outcome, both the esthetics of your smile and the improved function of your bite. Often other dental specialists may participate in your treatment to help establish a solid foundation for your restorations. Every Prosthodontist develops a treatment plan customized for each individual patient, and he will determine if adjunctive procedures by another doctor are necessary.
A Board Certified Prosthodontist has successfully completed extensive examinations by the American Board of Prosthodontics. These examinations involve written and oral examinations in prosthodontic theory and literature, the presentation of three different patient treatments, documented from the beginning to the end of the treatment and examinations over the rationale of this treatment. As a Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, the Prosthodontist must successfully complete a re-certification examination every eight years.
Our La Mesa, CA dental office, conveniently located near the Sharp-Grossmont Medical Center, has been proud to serve the Greater San Diego community over the past twenty years. The office is located in the Grossmont Medical Center on the ground level floor of building #1. Free patient parking is adjacent to the office, as well as, easy freeway access.
Dr. Johnson's passion for dentistry has always inspired him to go above and beyond both in education and in training. As a result, he continued his dental education with two additional years, earning a Prosthodontic Certificate from the School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California. His academic excellence was recognized by the prestigious national dental honor society,Omicron Kappa Upsilon.
During his career in the U.S. Naval Dental Corps, Dr. Johnsonattained the rank of Captain. While in service, he was appointed Director of Fixed Prosthodontics at the Naval Dental School in Bethesda, Maryland where he was a mentor in the Prosthodontic Residency Program. He also was Officer-in-Charge of all prosthetic dental laboratories at the San Diego naval bases. He has held faculty positions at The School of Dentistry, Georgetown University and the School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California.
Dr. Johnson has achieved Diplomate status of the American Board of Prosthodontics and thus is aBoard Certified Prosthodontist. He is a Fellow and Past-President of the American College of Prosthodontists as well as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists.
He currently holds active memberships with the American Dental Association, theCalifornia Dental Association, theSan Diego County Dental Society, theAcademy of Osseointegration, thePacific Coast Society for Prosthodontics, theAmerican Board of Prosthodontics, theInternational College of Dentists, theMilitary Officers Association of America, thePierre Fauchard Academy - International Honorary Dental Organization,San Diego Dental Health Foundation, San Diego Advanced Study Club, theOdontic Seminar, and was elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon, the National Dental Honorary Society.
Our exceptional staff consists of dental assistants, dental technicians and administrators that are carefully selected for their education, experience as well as their ability to partner with Dr. Johnson's highest standards of treatment. This includes attending numerous continuing education and training courses that teach the latest technology and techniques that provide the best care for our patients.
