Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2016 - 25

Let's Talk About That An Interview with Dr. Greg Johnson Dr. Ken Fischer Editor, Let's Talk About That Villa Park, CA Dr. Greg Johnson Irvine, CA Abstract I have asked Dr. Greg Johnson to share himself with us because to me, he is what every orthodontist should aspire to become; as a professional, as a family man, and as a human being. After reading this interview, see if you don't agree with me that Greg is the iconic orthodontist. When I consider potential candidates for this feature, my choice is heavily dependent on the person's "notoriety" or on the probability that our readers already have some familiarity with the individual. Having said that, this time I am interviewing an orthodontist most of you do not know and many have not heard of. I have asked Greg Johnson to share himself with us because to me, he is what every orthodontist should aspire to become;as a professional, as a family man, and as a human being. After reading this interview, see if you don't agree with me that Greg is the iconic orthodontist. So, without further ado, Let's Talk About That. . . Dr. Johnson's Bio  1972: DDS from University of the Pacific School of Dentistry  1976: Orthodontic Certificate and MS from University of Detroit  Married to an amazing wife and blessed with a daughter and two sons  Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics  Private practice of orthodontics in Irvine, CA, for over 30 years  Past President of the California Association of Orthodontists  Fellow of the American College of Dentists  Professional motorsports photojournalist Ken Fischer (KF): Greg, it is a pleasure for me to visit with you and share your thoughts with our readers. You are the epitome of what has made our specialty so respected and admired. Tell us how and why you made your choice to be an orthodontist. Fall 2016  PCSO Bulletin Greg Johnson (GJ): As a teenager, I enjoyed my personal orthodontic treatment experience under the care of Dr. Jim Teal in Covina, CA; I always looked up to Dr. Teal as a gentleman and role model. From my youth when I built model cars and planes, I've taken a great deal of satisfaction from working with my hands. In addition to that enjoyment, I have always loved talking with people and helping them. Orthodontics seemed to be a great combination of those two opportunities, and it provides a good living. At one point I had considered becoming a thoracic or cardiac surgeon, but I enjoy my family and our time together; it seemed to me that the time and commitment demands of those medical specialties would not allow the type of family life and personal time I desired. So orthodontics was the optimum place to enjoy helping people while receiving personal reward. I applied to dental school thinking I would eventually become an orthodontist, but after graduating from dental school, I really didn't feel comfortable with specializing (more school and more debt), so I practiced general dentistry for a couple of years. Even so, I still realized that I wanted to pursue my original love of orthodontics. KF: As an orthodontist, you have contributed much time to professional organizations and teaching as well as your private practice. Tell us about your drive to be the best orthodontist you can be. GJ: I've always admired the phrase, "If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem." After a short time in private practice, I soon realized that if our profession is to flourish, if our patients are to be well cared for, and we are to provide the ultimate in healthcare, we need to guide our legislators and regulators in the laws and rules they were imposing on our profession. That led me down a long road of participation in organized dentistry at the local component level, the state dental organizations, and the orthodontic specialty component, regional, and national organizations. 25

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists Bulletin Fall 2016