Kim Johnson named SODAS 2015 Distinguished Dental Hygiene Alumna

Kimberly Johnson is a ‘can do’ and ‘will do' educator, clinician, researcher and volunteer whose commitment to professionalism serves as an example to those who know her.

A three-time graduate of the University of Minnesota, Johnson is an alumna of the School of Dentistry GDA, BS and Master’s degree programs in dental hygiene.

Following a successful career in clinical practice, Johnson joined the dental school faculty in 2006, teaching dental hygiene and pre-doctoral dental students in clinics and classrooms, and serving as course director (2009-12) for a number of pre-clinic and clinical courses. She was adviser to the Student Dental Hygienists’ Association and initiated the first Dental Therapy Student Association, serving until recently as its faculty liaison. In 2012, she received the Faculty of the Year Award from students. She’s also taught dental education courses both locally and in Germany, a collaboration that continues to this day.

Beyond the classroom, Johnson served for seven years on the School of Dentistry Alumni Association Board of Directors, where, as president in 2013-14, she led the the alumni association through a strategic planning process that continues to guide the organization.

In 2013, she became a research project manager for the Health Partners Institute for Education and Research where she is involved in the (now) 10-state Midwest Region of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN).

She conducts continuing education courses related to PBRN involvement as a method of Network engagement, is a study manager for Network research, and helps translate clinical research methods into approaches that can be readily operationalized in a variety of busy practice settings to improve patient care.