Spotlight on EIOH Resident: Dr. Lucy Marie Johnson's Professional Journey
Dr. Lucy Marie Johnson, a rising star in the field of periodontics, has built a career rooted in advanced training and a relentless pursuit of clinical excellence. Born in East Lansing, Michigan, Dr. Johnson's journey began with a love for water sports, honing her skills in slalom water skiing and barefoot water skiing since the tender age of nine, growing up on a lake.
Inspired by her mother's trailblazing career as the first woman ever hired as a broker at a national brokerage firm, Dr. Johnson found her calling in dentistry. Her mother's success in a male-dominated industry instilled in her the invaluable advice, "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast," a mantra that has guided her throughout her career.
Dr. Johnson's professional journey led her to the prestigious Eastman Institute for Oral Health, where she completed her periodontal specialty training in 2024. Her time at Eastman was marked by significant growth, both professionally and personally. The institute's reputation for cutting-edge research and high volume of advanced surgical cases drew Dr. Johnson, who was eager to expand her surgical skills exponentially.
During her residency, Dr. Johnson was involved in innovative clinical work, including pioneering safer orthodontic procedures for patients with receding gums. This engagement in advanced periodontal and interdisciplinary dental care set the stage for her future contributions to the field.
In 2022, Dr. Johnson presented her research titled "Association of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use with marginal bone level changes around osseointegrated dental implants: A retrospective study" at the American Academy of Periodontology Annual Meeting in Phoenix, AZ. The research was later published in the Journal of Periodontology.
Post-graduation, Dr. Johnson has accepted an associate position at Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester, owned by Eastman AEGD & Perio alum Dr. Thomas Zahavi. She is also considering serving as part-time clinical Perio faculty at Eastman, a testament to her enduring connection with the institute.
Dr. Johnson's Eastman experience allowed her to grow in ways that extended beyond her professional life. Her bond with co-resident Leah Baldinger stands out as her most cherished memory, forging a friendship that transcends the boundaries of work, with Leah becoming more than a best friend—almost a sister.
Despite the challenges she faced, including a fear of earthworms that made rainy days at Eastman her personal nightmare, Dr. Johnson emerged from her Eastman experience more resilient than ever. If dentistry had not been her path, she would have pursued a Cosmetic Chemistry graduate program, another testament to her versatility and passion for innovation.
As Dr. Johnson continues to make her mark in the world of periodontics, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring dentists and a testament to the transformative power of perseverance, innovation, and a little bit of water skiing.
- Dr. Johnson's early love for water sports expanded beyond water skiing, as a Cosmetic Chemistry graduate program was her second choice if dentistry hadn't been her path.
- Apart from her pursuit of clinical excellence in periodontics, Dr. Johnson immersed herself in the lifestyle and fashion-and-beauty world, nurturing a passion for innovation.
- While her professional life thrived with advancements in dental education-and-self-development, Dr. Johnson's personal life flourished with a lasting friendship with Leah Baldinger, formed during their time at Eastman.
- The start of Dr. Johnson's career development in the male-dominated field of periodontics was inspired by her mother's success in the financial sector, specifically as the first woman broker at a national firm, instilling the principle, "Slow is smooth, smooth is fast."
