Jeffrey Johnson, D.M.D., M.P.H., Ed.D., senior associate dean for clinical education, has been named Vice Dean at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry.  

In conjunction with his existing role, Johnson will assist in guiding the combined clinical and academic activities within the school. Specifically, the director of clinical operations and director of Faculty Practice will report directly to the Vice Dean. 

Johnson will assume responsibility for the facilities management in preparation of our buildings for the CODA accreditation site visit. The Vice Dean will further participate as a member of the dentistry@vcu Board of Directors. 

In his combined roles as Vice Dean and senior associate dean for clinical education, he will continue to contribute to the teaching and patient care mission of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. 

“I am deeply honored and humbled to accept the opportunity to serve as Vice Dean at the VCU School of Dentistry,” said Johnson. “This institution has long stood as a pillar of excellence in education, patient care, and community engagement, and I am filled with gratitude to now contribute in this expanded role.”

Johnson has been in his current role of Senior Associate Dean since January 1, 2025. In this leadership position, he has led strategic updates to the student leave policy, assembled the leadership team for the Dr. Roger E. Wood Special Care Dentistry Clinic, and supported the school's CODA self-study under the leadership of Dr. Sharon Lanning, the senior associate dean for academic affairs. He has also acted as a liaison between the design teams and the School of Dentistry stakeholders as work continues toward establishing a new dental school. 

“Dr. Johnson has proven himself to be a transformational leader here at the School of Dentistry,” said Lyndon Cooper, D.D.S., Ph.D., dean of VCU School of Dentistry. “In a short time as senior associate dean of clinical education, Dr. Johnson has seamlessly integrated himself into the leadership team, displaying outstanding leadership, dedication to academic excellence, and unwavering commitment to our students, faculty, and the School of Dentistry Community. I am confident that he will continue to excel in this expanded role and I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to advance the excellence that define our School of Dentistry.” 

Previously, as chair of the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Johnson led initiatives, including securing resident stipends for the advanced education program in pediatric dentistry and facilitating the transition of dentistry@VCU to become the managing entity of the Northside Pediatric Dentistry clinic - a significant step in expanding clinical services and educational outreach. 

Johnson earned his D.M.D. from the University of Kentucky in 2001, completed a Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the UK Chandler Medical Center in 2003, and a Master of Public Health from the University of Kentucky in 2005. In May 2025, he earned his Doctorate of Education with a focus on educational leadership, further solidifying his commitment to fostering innovation and excellence in academic dentistry. 

Looking ahead, Johnson says he is committed to embracing the collective future of the dental school with clarity and intention. 

“My foremost goal is to continue advocating for our learners, staff, and faculty—ensuring their voices are heard, their potential is cultivated, and their contributions are valued. Their success is the heartbeat of our institution, and their growth shapes the direction of dental education and care in Virginia and beyond,” said Johnson. “Together, we will cultivate a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and service that empowers every member of our learning community. I look forward to walking this path with our stakeholders, building on our strong legacy, and shaping a future we can all be proud of.”