Who is that masked man?
Introducing Dr. Tim Johnston
Dr.Tim Johnston is working to put himself out of business. He firmly believes that if everyone got good preventive dental care, that he’d have no teeth to “fix.” The practice he created, Norge Dental Center, is known for taking a proactive approach, as well as an emphasis on education and technology. Dr. Johnston’s goal is for everyone to have “a comfortable mouth with teeth that last.”
When he started his practice in 1989, he decided to do it the best way he knew how.That’s why Norge Dental Center lives the mission he set for them over 20 years ago: to “look after the needs of our patients so thoroughly and with the highest level of competence, integrity, and care, that they will feel privileged to be members of our family of patients.”
Many people are fearful, to the degree that they come to appointments with apprehension and anxiety. Dr. Johnston and his staff know that this is common and one of their commitments is talking to patients first, before they ever ask for them to open their mouth:“Meeting the person before meeting the teeth helps us know what people expect, and what fears may need to be overcome.” No one is made to feel ashamed of prior dental neglect: “The past doesn’t matter — I can tell you what I see now, I can help look forward for you, and we can make this a positive experience where we take care of your teeth, your smile, and your entire self-image.”
Dr. Johnston’s staff are a big part of his success. He starts with high standards, trains his people well and then entrusts them to do their best for the patients.“I give my employees permission to be their best.We continually evaluate what’s new and what works the best for our patients,” he said. It works. Compared to the industry average, employees at NDC stay much longer so staff turnover is low. Continual training and opportunities for feedback help make them all key team members.
Dr. Johnston feels that “A dental license is nothing more than a license to learn more.” Continuing education is part of his life, with many days each year spent on new knowledge. After teaching dental students for 17 years at his alma mater, the Medical College of Virginia, he’s now focused on teaching at his growing practice. He’s mentoring his associates and staff, and sharing his unique philosophy.
When he’s not in the office, Dr. Johnston is helping coach the New Kent High School swim team that his children are on, as well as pursuing adventure sports. “The dentist part of me is careful and methodical, but the business owner part of me is always pushing the envelope,” he said. Pushing the envelope leads him to hobbies like scuba diving, skiing, snowboarding, car racing — it keeps him fresh and edgy.
With a daughter in college who plans on becoming a dental hygienist, and a 14-year-old son who plans on becoming a dentist, the next generation of Williamsburg patients are in good hands already! His 16-year-old son has his eye on the business world.
Dr. Johnston’s wife, Kelly, was a Labor & Delivery nurse at Williamsburg Community Hospital for over a decade. Kelly now helps coordinate functions for the team at Norge Dental Center: “We’re really very close with the people we work with, and I think that shows and creates a wonderful work environment!”