Jeffrey Johnson, D.M.D., M.P.H., will serve as the new chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at VCU School of Dentistry beginning July 1. Johnson joins VCU from LSU Health-New Orleans School of Dentistry, where he has served as chair of the Department of Pediatrics and director of the Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry since August 2020. 

While he has a wealth of academic experience, Johnson also brings acumen from the private sector having served as president and CEO of Danville Pediatric Dentistry in Danville, KY, from 2006-2020. Prior to that, Johnson held several roles at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, including director of the Advanced Education Program in Pediatric Dentistry and director of resident research, and he taught a number of courses for pre-and post-doctoral students. 

“I am honored and humbled to join the VCU School of Dentistry family,” said Johnson. “VCU’s Department of Pediatric Dentistry is fortunate to have staff, residents, alums and faculty committed to making a difference in the lives of children throughout Virginia. The partnership between the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU and the School of Dentistry provides an exciting and robust learning environment that is limitless in its potential.”

“I am confident that Dr. Johnson will lead pediatric dentistry with great skill and ensure our mission impacts the younger generations of the communities we serve,” said Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dr. Duane Schafer for his service as interim chair and the entire department for their dedicated service during the interim period. I am also grateful to the search committee for their diligent service to the school. I am thankful for everyone's commitment to and optimism for a great future of pediatric dentistry at the school and in our community.”

Johnson is a UK graduate, where he received his Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (2001), Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry (2003) and Master of Public Health (2005). His interests vary from equity and social justice in health care to building oral health care systems that are efficient, effective and financially viable. 

Johnson is a member of the American Dental Association, the Louisiana Dental Association, the Kentucky Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Education Association. He has previously been recognized as a Health Resources and Services Administration grant awardee as well as a Junior Faculty Member of the Year; served as president of the Kentucky Academy of Pediatric Dentistry; and has been a principal speaker at continuing education courses throughout the Southeast and Midwest. Johnson is expected to finish his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership soon.

“By working with our school, hospital, and alumni partners, I hope we can build on our strong foundation and bring VCU Pediatric Dentistry into the national/international spotlight,” said Johnson. “Through innovation and collaboration, we will achieve great things in the Richmond community and in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at VCU School of Dentistry.”