Community means everything to Cole Johnson, DDS ’24. That’s what made the School of Dentistry the right choice for him.
Growing up in the rural community of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, Johnson became intimately aware of disparities in access. “I have seen how hard it can be for patients in this setting to receive dental care,” he said.
As an oral health professional, Johnson looks forward to bridging that gap. “I would like to give back to small communities by offering my skills to them,” he said. “Whether I practice in a rural town or hold volunteering events there, I would like to provide dental support for those that are underserved.”
Johnson has started down this path already, volunteering at Hope Dental Clinic, with Mission of Mercy and at Give Kids a Smile.
He was also involved with MN-CROHP, a program that expanded access to care in underserved rural Minnesota communities by matching learners with mentors in those areas.
But just giving back and serving rural communities isn’t enough for Johnson; he is also committed to becoming the best provider he can be, to every patient—something he fosters at the University of Minnesota, and something he doesn’t do alone.
“My favorite thing about the School of Dentistry is the relationships I have built with my peers and faculty,” he said. “My faculty and my friends push me to become better and give me reinforcement if I run into obstacles.”
INVOLVEMENT
Mentor, clinical and new student
MN-CROHP rural dentistry program
Pre-clinical Tutor
Student Ambassador
Student Coordinator, Hope Dental Clinic
Volunteer, Mission of Mercy
Volunteer, Give Kids a Smile
HOMETOWN
Thief River Falls, MN