Cosmetic and Family Dentist

The brief descriptions below are designed to familiarize you with our staff. Thanks for taking the time to read a little about us!

Ernest N. Johnson, DDS

Dr. Johnson graduated from the University of Michigan Dental School in 1992, and practiced in Bay City, Michigan until 1999. He then moved to Phoenix seeking a solo practice. As a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Johnson is committed to continuing education. He believes that learning and mastering new dental procedures is important to delivering the best dental care to patients.

While West Cactus Dental is a comprehensive dental office, meeting the needs of most adults and children, there are always areas of concentration in each doctor's practice. Dr. Johnson has completed extra training in root canals, implants, Invisalign orthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry. He also combines cosmetic dentistry and standard dental care by providing tooth colored fillings and metal free crowns as the primary option for his patients. Of course, silver fillings and metal crowns can be utilized at the request of the patient or are recommended by Dr. Johnson when most appropriate. The Doctor believes in utilizing an array of dental materials.

Dr. Johnson is an avid golfer and carries a single digit handicap. He has had the good fortune of collecting two holes-in-one in his career. Dr. Johnson also enjoys building and modifying computers. Maintaining his physical fitness is important as well. The PF Chang's half-marathon in under 2 hours is a goal for early 2010. Singing is another passion that Dr. Johnson enjoys. He has been a member of his church choir for many years, performs as a soloist and in small groups, and has even played the lead in two musicals, Oklahoma! and Damn Yankees.

Melinda

You are most likely to reach Melinda when you call our office. She is our Front Desk Coordinator and will be happy to answer your questions about our office, make an appointment, or help you understand your dental insurance. Melinda has many years of service in the hospitality business and brings a great customer service mindset to the position. She has worked in dentistry for well over a decade.

Deb

Deb is Doctor's primary chairside assistant. When you receive dental care, chances are she will be helping to make your experience wonderful. Deb has a very outgoing and expressive personality and will enjoy getting to know you on a personal level. If you want to get her started, just ask about her grandkids and she'll whip out the pictures and tell you all about them.

Ronni

Ronni is our everyday hygienist. Our patients are very complimentary about her gentle touch. She will help you maintain your teeth for a lifetime with education and demonstration of proper dental hygiene. She has been in dentistry for quite some time, and started out as an assistant many years ago. Ronni runs a small zoo at her home and enjoys arts and crafts as well. Ask her about her latest pet adventures if you'd like to hear a good story or two!

Patricia

As our practice has grown, we have had to add a part time hygienist in order to keep up with the demand of our patients. Pat comes in once a month on a Wednesday and helps take the load off Ronni. Pat is bilingual, so if you prefer to speak Spanish, please request her to clean your teeth. Many of our bilingual patients have been seeing her for over 2 years and are happy with her care.

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