DR. LAREE JOHNSON – United States of America

Dr. LaRee Johnson graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry and completed a three-year pediatric dentistry residency and Master of Science degree at the University of North Carolina.

She holds a Certificate in Leadership from the Kellogg School of Management’s Leadership Institute (AAPD Cohort V) and serves as adjunct faculty at both UNC and ECU. She is a fellow of the International College of Dentists, American College of Dentists, and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Johnson has also served as president of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and the North Carolina Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

She is the Chief Dental Director for Blue Cloud Pediatric Surgery Centers and the 2024 recipient of the AAPD’s Manuel M. Album Award for her endless advocacy and clinical care for those with special health care needs.

Dr. Johnson founded Carolina Pediatric Dentistry, a thriving multi-doctor, two-location practice in Raleigh, North Carolina and has more than 27 years in full-time clinical practice. She lectures nationally and internationally on clinical pediatric dentistry, practice management, and achieving balance between professional fulfillment and personal well-being. Her speaking style is known for its honesty, real-world practicality, and a refreshing dose of humor that brings both energy and joy to learning.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Johnson finds her greatest happiness in family life with her husband, college-aged children, and their yellow Labrador retriever. Her family loves the outdoors, travel, CrossFit, and endurance sports. She and her husband have completed three Ironman triathlons, the Umstead 100-Mile Endurance Run, a marathon in all 50 U.S. states, and fastpacked the full Camino de Santiago Francés—1,000 kilometers in 23 days. She looks forward to more kilometers with her husband before the Smart Pedodontics Conference in Romania in 2026!