Meet The Staff
Torri – Hygienist Jenene- Hygienist Jessica – Dental Assistant Kayla – Dental Assistant
Krista – Receptionist Michelle – Receptionist Gwen – Office Assistant
Dr. Johnson graduated with his DDS degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, like Dr. Olson. He then spent two years in the USAF, one year at Mactan Air Force Base in the Philippine Islands and one year at Loring Air Force Base in northern Maine. We are grateful for his service in the Military. He then went on to have a dental practice in Alexandria for 35 years.
Since retirement Dr. Johnson has been working with other dentists one or two times a year for short periods, if there is a need, for things like a dentist taking a Maternity Leave. He has been on two mission trips, one was to a poor mountain area in Kentucky and the other to Ethiopia at a Christian mission school. For the last four years he has been working with the dental assisting and dental hygiene programs at St. Cloud Technical and Community College.
His hobbies are kayaking, sailing, golfing, hiking and reading. He is married to Jan and they have two married children and five grandchildren in the Twin Cities.
Dr. Johnson has a passion for Dentistry and is excited to get to know you and treat all of your dental needs. If you need a check-up, dental care of any kind or have any concerns while I am home snuggling my baby in December, please just call the office and make an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!
Dr. Clark is a restorative dentist with an emphasis on prevention as a part of total health. He sold his private practice in the St. Paul area in 2018 and has been working as a locum tenens, helping dentists during family leave, medical leave, and practice transitions (awaiting a new dentist). His wide range of services include exams, cosmetic fillings, crowns and bridges (including over implants), some root canal treatments, dentures/partial dentures, extractions and orthodontic evaluations.
His affiliations are with the American Dental Associations, MN Dent. Assoc., and the Saint Paul District Dental Society and has a long history of supporting participation and continuing education in the Air Force, study clubs, and the Academy of General Dentistry.
He grew up near Davenport, IA where his cousins still farm crops and livestock. He graduated with a BS in General Science and DDS from the University of Iowa and served 2 years active duty in the US Air Force Reserve in Duluth, MN. After his tour he settled in S.E. MN where he taught dental assisting for 3 years and private practice for 25 years.
He enjoys helping people, has volunteered at orphan clinics in Cambodia, and mission style dentistry in the Philippines where he gained additional skills and loves to vacation at the beaches. Helping close family friends that had a resort on Sandpoint Lake which is now part of Voyageurs National Park was also a favorite pastime.
Spending time outdoors with his 2 sons and 5 grandchildren is a lot of fun, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and water sports. Ask him about the salmon that pulled him into the river. Even a little x-country skiing when the snow is in good condition. Other interests are dancing, home improvement, real estate development, and investing.
He looks forward to meeting you!!
I have been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 2017! I became a Dental Hygienist because, I knew I wanted to save people’s smiles & do whatever I could to help the community around me.
I have a pretty busy life outside of work; with my two beautiful babies; one boy, one girl. I enjoy spending time with my family & friends. I love the outdoors, and enjoying the weather whenever possible.
Saving smiles everyday 😁– Torri
I am a receptionist First Avenue Dental. My favorite part of working here is the atmosphere and the team orientated staff. Also I love to see everyone’s smiling faces as they walk through and out the door.
-Krista
I have worked at First Avenue Dental for over 14 years. I have had the pleasure of calling patients to remind them of their appointments. I can’t believe I get paid to call and talk to all of these nice people! Sometimes I’m in the office as a Dental Assistant for Dr. Olson or just to help the office girls whenever they need some extra hands. Sometimes I make special birthday treats for the staff. Everyone is so nice and the atmosphere at the office is very welcoming.
“I will talk to you soon!”
– Gwen
I work at the front desk as a receptionist at First Avenue Dental. I’ve worked in customer relations for years, but I truly love working at First Avenue Dental the most. I get to greet you when you arrive and send well wishes as you leave the office.
Outside of the office, I am a business owner, dance instructor, wife, and mother. I love seeing people succeed in their ideas and dreams. I can’t wait to meet you! –Michelle
As a compassionate and dedicated dental assistant with a background in Oral Surgery, I am thrilled to join this already impressive team at First Avenue Dental. Since graduating in 2018 as a Licensed Dental Assistant, I have continuously been a patient advocate to ensure patients understand their options and feel confident in decisions made surrounding their dental health and wellness. Making patients feel as comfortable as possible in the dental setting is and always will be my intention and goal. I look forward to being a part of your dental care team. – Jessica
I graduated in 2021 with my Dental Assisting Degree. Your smile is the thing people are most self-conscious about and I want to help make it beautiful for you. Connecting with you, even if just or a minute, warms my heart. I can’t wait to see you!- Kayla
