Dr. William Johnson, Professor Emeriti in the Department of Endodontics at the UI College of Dentistry, was awarded the 2024 I. B. Bender Lifetime Educator Award by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE).

Johnson was recognized at the AAE’s annual meeting in Los Angeles on April 20. Johnson earned his DDS from the UI in 1975 before serving in the United States Army as a General Dental Officer in Fort Still, Oklahoma. He returned to Iowa City and received his Certificate of Specialization in Endodontics and Master of Science Degree in 1981. Johnson’s prolific military career lasted 24 years and he has received numerous commendation medals and accolades, including Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf cluster, the Army Achievement Medal, an Overseas Service Medal, a National Defense Medal, an Army Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and State Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters.

He retired from the Iowa Army National Guard in 1995 with the rank of Brigadier General.

After a stint at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry as department chair and program director, Johnson returned to Iowa City to direct the Advanced Education Program in Endodontics in 1991. He became department chair in 2003 and was the inaugural Walton Endodontics Professor from 2006-14. 

Nationally, Johnson served on numerous committees within the AAE and served two terms as President of the American Board of Endodontics. With over 40 published manuscripts, a book, and several chapters, Johnson’s mark on endodontics is crucial and far-reaching.