Surgical residency training at Mayo Clinic, bringing decades of surgical depth and specialized skill to wisdom teeth extractions and oral surgery.
Board-Certified Oral Surgeon
Meet Dr. Kirby Johnson, DDS — Oral Surgeon in Minnetonka
If you are searching for a board-certified Dr. Kirby Johnson oral surgeon in Minnetonka, you have found a specialist with rare credentials and a deeply personal approach to care. Dr. Johnson completed advanced surgical training at Mayo Clinic and brings over 30 years of experience in oral and maxillofacial surgery to every patient he treats.
He also offers a complimentary consultation and panoramic X-ray at no charge to wisdom teeth patients, so you can meet him and discuss your needs without any financial pressure.
Mayo Clinic Trained
Surgical Residency
100,000+ Teeth
Removed to Date
ABOMS Diplomate
Board Certified
Education & Surgical Residency
Education, Training & Board Certification
Combining advanced surgical residency training at Mayo Clinic with board-certified specialty credentials to deliver exceptional care in Minnetonka.
First in His Class, Then Mayo Clinic
Dr. Johnson earned a bachelor of science in chemistry from Bemidji State University in 1982, then finished first in his class at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, receiving his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1986. He completed a four-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in 1990 — one of the most rigorous training paths in the country.
Bemidji State • UMN Dentistry • Mayo Clinic
Board Certified & Named Best Dentist Over Ten Times
Dr. Johnson is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and served as president of the Minneapolis District Dental Society. His peers have named him a Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine "Best Dentist" more than ten times, earning him a place in the magazine's Hall of Fame, and he has appeared on Minnesota Monthly's "Best Dentist" list multiple times.
ABOMS Board Certified • MSP Hall of Fame
In His Own Words
About Dr. Johnson
Over 30 years ago, Dr. Kirby Johnson sat in his anatomy class in dental school and took a particular interest in the anatomy of the head and neck. After working alongside a talented oral surgeon, he decided to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon himself. Since then, he has removed over 100,000 teeth.
When he opened Wise Decision, Dr. Johnson wanted a community-focused office that embraced the human side of caring for patients — one that would make the wisdom teeth extraction experience a better one. He works to provide care at an affordable price with an emphasis on philanthropy: one out of every 20 cases is free, designed to help the less fortunate in his community access quality oral health care.
Children and teenagers are common patients at Wise Decision. To help nervous patients, the practice plays music, offers full and detailed explanations, and provides multiple forms of pain control. He also hands out Häagen-Dazs ice cream to patients who receive general anesthesia for their procedure.
Dr. Johnson finds that the most rewarding part of his job, aside from the satisfaction of an excellent procedure, is building those community connections. He works to inspire young people and make a difference in the lives of his patients, so they feel important and happy. Whenever he meets a new patient, he takes the time to learn two new things about them. Dr. Johnson calls this the best job in the world — and his dedication and passion have inspired others to pursue dentistry.
Education & Residency
Where He Trained
Dr. Johnson began his journey into oral and maxillofacial surgery after graduating from Bemidji State University in 1982 with a bachelor of science degree in chemistry. He continued on to the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, where he finished first in his class and earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1986. Upon graduation, he attended the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine, completing a four-year residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery in 1990.
Dr. Johnson is dedicated to ongoing education so he remains at the forefront of any changes in the field. He often attends the AAOMS national meetings to meet other surgeons and stay up to date on trends and innovations in the industry. He also volunteers at Caring and Sharing Hands and Mission of Mercy, and donates dental services to patients in need.
Memberships & Certifications
Credentials & Recognition
Dr. Johnson is board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. He served as the president of the Minneapolis District Dental Society. He is also a member of:
- American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- American Dental Association
- Minneapolis District Dental Society
- Minnesota Dental Association
- Minnesota Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
- American Cleft Palate Association
- Academy of Osseointegration
- Pierre Fauchard Academy
- Spear Study Club
Dr. Johnson has also been recognized by his peers in Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine as a "Best Dentist" over ten times and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. He has been featured in Minnesota Monthly's "Best Dentist List" multiple times.
Outside the Office
Getting to Know Dr. Johnson
When he is not in the office, Dr. Johnson enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, traveling, working on projects around the house, and exercising.
Patient-Centered Care
Dr. Johnson's Approach to Patient Care
At Wise Decision, Dr. Johnson believes every patient deserves clear explanation, unhurried care, and attentive support before, during, and after their treatment.
The Personal Post-Operative Call
Many patients tell us they were amazed to receive a call from Dr. Johnson himself the evening after surgery. You can expect that same care. He personally checks on your recovery, answers any questions, and makes sure you are comfortable. It is a standard, not a surprise.
Personal Post-Op Call
Unhurried & Attentive Care
Patients regularly mention that Dr. Johnson makes them feel heard and unhurried. He takes the time to explain exactly what will happen during your wisdom teeth removal or other procedure so you feel confident every step of the way.
Patient-Centered Care
Hospital-Quality Sedation Options
His anesthesia options meet Category 1 facility standards with double board-certified pediatric anesthesiologists on-site. Enjoy hospital-grade safety in a comforting, state-of-the-art Minnetonka setting.
Category 1 Anesthesia
The Wise Decision Standard
Why Patients in Minnetonka Choose Dr. Johnson
Dr. Johnson personally calls every patient the evening after their procedure to verify recovery progress and provide complete peace of mind.
Patients and parents consistently praise Dr. Johnson's calm demeanor, clear communication, and the gentle care he provides throughout every consultation and surgery.
Dr. James Q. Swift DDS shares Dr. Johnson's commitment to personalized, expert care. Together, they lead a team that treats every patient like family.
Compassionate Support
Meet the Full Team at Wise Decision
Dr. Johnson works alongside Dr. James Q. Swift, a former director of oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University of Minnesota. Together their experience exceeds 70 years. You can learn more about both surgeons on our Our Team page, including detailed information about Dr. James Q. Swift DDS.
Clear Answers
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Kirby Johnson
Yes, Dr. Johnson is accepting new patients of all ages at Wise Decision. You can start with a complimentary consultation that includes a panoramic X-ray at no cost for wisdom teeth patients.
Dr. Johnson performs wisdom teeth removal, pediatric tooth extractions, orthodontic expose and bond, and implant placement. He also provides advanced IV sedation and general anesthesia in a Category 1 facility.
Absolutely. He regularly cares for teens and young adults and works closely with parents to ensure a safe, comfortable experience. His training and sedation options make the process much easier than most families expect.
Get Started
Ready to Meet Dr. Johnson? Your Consultation Starts Here
Book your wisdom teeth consultation today and receive a complimentary panoramic X-ray — complimentary for wisdom teeth patients, with no impact on your insurance.