Our Staff

Dr. Orvis Johnson, DDS

As an imported Norwegian from Minnesota, Dr. Johnson admits most ethnic groups are sensitized, leaving only dentists and Norwegians (i.e. Ole and Lena) to be the butt of jokes. He even has an album and wall of jokes patients have brought to him. "If you can't laugh at yourself, who can you laugh at?"

His undergraduate was Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota which was followed by the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Dr. Johnson's early education at Concordia College was centered around becoming a Lutheran Minister. The Vietnam War changed those plans, which eventually led to his graduation from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He quips, "I yet preach, but today rather from the pulpit, it's chairside--preaching about brushing and flossing". I challenge you to read my chapter on Disease and Disease Control.

Dr. Johnson has a passion for dentistry, yet finds time to train dogs, hunt, fish, trap, wildflower garden, and even chase the little white ball on a golf course. As an amateur photographer, Dr. Orvis is never without a camera to "record the moment", which his buddies admit is sometimes not always a good thing.

Dr. Orvis' two adult children are now blessed with their own children, Parker and Liam. "Which I guess makes me a grandpa". Dr. Johnson's son, Justin (Sarah Kirchoff), lives in Fond du Lac, and he manages Corporate Enterprise Truck Division. Daughter, Dr. Annika (John) Simon follows in her dad's footsteps, practicing dentistry in St. Paul. (Gee, I wonder who Dr. Orvis has for a dentist?)

"My plan is to live forever, and so far everything is going great" is but one of Dr. J's philosophical quips. (If you want more quips, just ask him.)

The future of dentistry is bright. Yearly, new techniques, new materials and new equipment allow me to "look good", do my best, and it creates an environment whereby I can empower our patients to be the best-they-can-be: healthy, disease free, with no costly investment due to neglect. For each patient, my long range goals is for them to keep their teeth AT LEAST until they are 85 years old.

"We welcome new patients".

Please read on below about our dedicated staff.

Dorene

Dental Assistant

"Whistle while you work", that’s my philosophy at Dr. Johnson's office. As the chair side assistant and jack of all trades, if you hear humming whistling or singing during your visit - that’s likely me. (Dr. Johnson hums too, but you will "note" a difference - I’m on key!) What makes this career so enjoyable is the variety of my responsibilities. When not assisting Dr. Johnson in creating predictable, beautiful whiter and healthier smiles, my home is my shangruila. At home is my beloved always-building-something-husband, Frank.  Frank and I live vicariously through our grown daughters Cyndie, the "bird-lady" whose masters degree re-located her to the San Antonio Zoo; and Lana, in Los Angeles editing TV productions like Wipe Out or Wacky Sports. I'm a proud momma as weekly my kid’s name appears ever-so-briefly in the fast rolling "credits"! Any spare time quickly disappears in my choir and wedding singing, going to movies, and hootin' it up with friends. Thanks for your interest in our staff, clinic, and www.storyofdentistry.com. We welcome new patients.

Ciji

Business Secretary

As Dr. Johnson's receptionist, appointment specialist and front office business person, welcome to www.storyofdentistry.com. When you phone in to schedule, confirm an appointment, or seek assistance with those complicated insurance forms - well, now you have a face behind the name. (Do ask me how the name "Ciji" originated, which is almost as common as "Orvis").

Enjoyment when not working is accomplished through reading novels, movies, four wheeling, and walking our spoiled dog, Bentley (He has more outfits than Vanna White!) Living in Ripon with husband, Steve, and our handsome dog, Bentley (oh, Steve is handsome too!) offers great joy. Back home, near Richland Center and Black Earth, the family farm provides great terrain for riding four wheelers (with helmets!).

I'm thankful to have the opportunity to work in a dental practice, especially Dr. Johnson's. He's thorough and very passionate about dentistry, and informing our patients on prevention, which makes me even more appreciative to have this opportunity to be in the dental health field. In a nutshell, what I do is not work, it's very rewarding.