The California Dental Association Foundation, Sacramento, Calif, has awarded the annual Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni Faculty Award to Neal Johnson, PhD, DDS. Johnson (pictured), who is the sixth recipient of the award, is currently an associate professor at the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry. He graduated from LLU in 2008 and now teaches microbiology for dental students, research ethics, biomedical sciences, and general pathology.

“I strive to instill upon my students an understanding that success is not measured by grades but by those who benefit from their leadership and expertise,” Johnson said.

The Dugoni Faculty Award acknowledges and supports individual faculty for their exceptional leadership, innovation, collaboration, compassion, philanthropic spirit, and integrity in dental education. The award was developed to support individuals who contribute to the scholarly and creative activities of California dental students. Faculty affiliated with the state’s six dental schools are eligible.

“Dr Johnson demonstrates his leadership by fully engaging students through the latest advancements in education to improve his delivery and information, while instilling a passion to work together to solve problems,” said Donald Rollofson, DMD, chair of the CDA Foundation.

Johnson has worked with the American Dental Education Association and International Association for Dental Research, as well as research groups in Australia and Jamaica, looking at neutraceutical therapy for oral cancer and oral bacterial infections. Johnson’s philanthropic endeavors include mission trips and service projects sponsored by LLU. He also sponsors lunch meetings every quarter for black students in the school of dentistry to examine issues, offer encouragement, and celebrate achievements. This group has recently decided to contribute to a scholarship fund for black dental and dental hygiene students.

Johnson says he intends to use the $5,000 in award funds to advance research in dental education and basic science.