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Barton Johnson Obituary
Doctor-Teacher-Father-Friend
Dr. Bart Johnson was born March 29, 1961 in Burbank, California to William and Betty Johnson. He passed away at home in Seattle on June 30, 2016 after a valiant battle with colon cancer. He was 55 years old.
Dr. Johnson was raised in California's San Fernando Valley. He and his family were active in the Boy Scouts of America and he ultimately became an Eagle Scout. After attending USC for his undergraduate work, Dr. Johnson received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery Degree from UCLA in 1985. He was academically at the top of his class, receiving induction into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Society. He continued his education at UCLA, completing a Hospital Dental Residency in 1986, and received a MS in Oral Biology in 1989.
Dr. Johnson was recruited to Seattle in 1991 to lead the Hospital Dental Residency Program at University of Washington. He remained on faculty as the residency director and an Associate Professor with tenure until 2007. In 2008 he co-founded Seattle Special Care Dentistry and concurrently established the Swedish Medical Center Hospital Dental Residency Program. He remained the Program Director of the Swedish Dental Residency program until his death.
Dr. Johnson was widely recognized in the field of dental education. He was a popular lecturer both nationally and internationally and co-edited a textbook, Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Dentistry. He was heavily involved in the local dental community and was named "Washington State Dental Association's Citizen of the Year" in 2014 for his efforts in caring for the underserved. Dr. Johnson's great passion was providing care to medically complex patients through residency training. He had the uncanny ability to explain complex topics in simple and understandable ways. As a residency director, he served as a teacher and mentor to hundreds of young dentists, with whom many he maintained lifelong relationships.
Bart was married to Kristen Johnson for nearly 30 years, divorcing amicably in 2011. Together they raised two smart, talented and compassionate children, daughter Chelsea and son Nikai. Proficient in American Sign Language, Bart had a large extended family that included the local deaf community, many of whom were patients and friends. He enjoyed the natural beauty of the Seattle area, spending his free time biking, kayaking and being outdoors. He was especially proud to have summited Mount Rainier shortly after his fiftieth birthday.
Bart is preceded in death by his father, William Johnson. He is survived by his daughter Chelsea of Seattle, son Nikai of Boston, mother Betty, sister and brother-in-law Julie and Mark Messersmith of Florida, and former wife Kristen Johnson. He also leaves his business partners, Dr. Amy Winston and Dr. Noah Letwin, and his adoring staff at Seattle Special Care Dentistry.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Soma Subramaniam at the Swedish Cancer Institute for his kind and attentive care throughout Bart's illness.
A memorial service is planned for Friday July 8 at 1:00 pm at the Center for Urban Horticulture, 3501 NE 41st St, Seattle, WA 98105.
Prior to his death, Dr. Johnson asked that memorial contributions be directed to the dental residency that he loved so dearly. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Bart Johnson, DDS, MS Memorial Fund, Swedish Medical Center Foundation, 747 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122 or online at http://www.swedishtributegifts.org/Bart_Johnson
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barton Johnson
Sponsored by The Family.
Amy Cook
June 27, 2025
I think of you every day, Bart! You changed lives for the better. I miss you, my friend. Amy
Amy Cook
June 27, 2024
Thinking of you today and always, Bart. I keep your picture up at my desk and think of your calm, kind professionalism during the toughest cases. Thank you for your mentorship. Amy
Grace Hsiao Wu
June 28, 2022
I haven't posted since your passing, Bart. I do think of you often and grateful for the indelible positivity you exuded to your students and colleagues. It reminds me often to be fully aware of a situation while doing the best you can for others. You are missed.
Amy Cook
June 27, 2022
Thinking of you today and every day, my friend!
Tania Finlayson
June 27, 2022
After several years of not going to the dentist, I had to go because of a sore tooth. Luckily, I got to see a dentist who was taught by Dr. Johnson. I could tell that she was taught by Dr. Johnson; she gave me excellent care and treated me like a person, not just like a number. Dr. Johnson left his handprint on everyone who was lucky enough to know him... I miss you; thank you for leaving your wonderful mark on others who care for people with disabilities.
Chelsea Johnson
October 5, 2021
In case anyone is still reading or checking this page, I just wanted to express my deep gratitude to all that have written (as recently as 2020!). It means so much to know that my dad was still crossing your mind a few years after he passed. Coming across this page was so touching, to say the least.
Mcfarland in care of trisha d knight
September 7, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Mmcf
Tania Finlayson
June 27, 2020
Heartbroken about losing the best dentist in the world... You are in a better place and probably laughing at the world which makes me feel better. I will admire you forever:)
Tania Finlayson
June 27, 2019
I haven't been to the dentist since your passing, good thing you always said I had very good teeth:) Still think of you often; you were the best and I miss you...
Amy Cook
June 27, 2019
Still so sad that Bart is gone. I think about him every day and use his memory to guide me when I feel frustrated or impatient. What a joy he was!
Amy Cook
September 10, 2018
Still devastated over the loss of Bart. I keep his picture at my desk in my dental office as a reminder to be kind, knowledgeable, professional, to show empathy, be direct, and laugh at myself.
At the most trying times in my dental practice, I think of him and it helps me persist.
Thank you, still, for your guidance, "Dr. J!"
Amy
Alin Chera DDS
April 21, 2017
The smile in this photograph says it all: that was the Bart we knew; always smiling, kind and helpful. He was an encyclopedia of dental and medical facts. I was fortunate to have him as a mentor while in my residency program at UW in the late 90's. The world has lost a great teacher.
January 28, 2017
I'm so sorry I didn't know Bart had passed. I had to read about it in the UW Aliumni magazine. He was such a special and nice guy. I remember him when he was very young with his grandmother Gogo and her false teeth. He was my cousin. Julie, Chelsea and Nikai, call me any time. I live in Edmonds.
Love you, Mary Elizabeth Bunney aka Busy
Bart, my angelic dentist
Raina Emma Hubbard
July 22, 2016
I'm going to really miss my dearest dentist and friend, Bart. He was funny, proficient at American Sign Language, and mostly important, he was a loving, caring, and patient friend to me. I love him. I can always keep him in my heart. It is heartbreaking for me to never see him again in real life.
Terri Curnutt
July 17, 2016
I was saddened to learn Bart is gone. I went to other dentists and found Bart to be the best. Im sorry he got sick with cancer and died on June 30. He was good at working with my teeth and helped heal them. I will miss him. Bye Bart. Sending you cyber flowers. Terri Curnutt
Tania Finlayson
July 13, 2016
I am heartbroken to find out one of the best in the medical field has left the world. My condolences to his family.He was the very best and I will miss him and the excellent care he always gave to me. RIP Dr. Johnson
Michelle Briscoe
July 12, 2016
After developing severe anxiety about having anyone even touch my teeth, I was referred to Dr. Bart in the late 90's, when he was still at UW. For nearly 20 years I have been his patient. I still hate going to the dentist, but I go. He (and his staff, for the most part) made it manageable. He understood my issues and never made me feel like a freak or that I was asking too much. He just changed how dental work was approached for me, and did everything he could to make the experience as comfortable as possible for me. That changed my life and made me so grateful that he was in it.
When I took my young son to the dentist for the first time, I took him to Dr. Bart. I was nervous, of course, but Dr. Bart picked him up and flew him around the office like my son was an airplane or a superhero, and now my son loves going to the dentist. Dr. Bart was my hero. I will miss him greatly. It won't be the same to go to his office without him there, but I have to trust that he was a great teacher and that those who worked with him learned not only awesome dentistry skills but they learned how to care for their patients' mental needs as well. He was a truly great man.
Angie Koellner
July 11, 2016
Dr. Johnson had a profound impact on my life. I first met him when I hadn't been to a dentist in many years due to crippling anxiety. A former student of his suggested I visit him at a time when I was in need of more urgent dental care. He got me in right away, took the time to meet with me, and was amazingly compassionate and understanding regarding my then inability to even sit in the dental chair. After being a patient of his for the last 5 years, I am so grateful that I can now enter his clinic and sit in the chair prepared for a cleaning without enduring massive panic. Now that he has passed, I am in awe of his many accomplishments, many of which I knew nothing about until reading his obituary. He was humble and laughed with me when I sang through my nitrous oxide enhanced dental cleanings. I will be forever indebted to his kindness, excellent care, and the gift of helping me overcome my dental anxiety so that I can look forward to a future that includes having teeth.
Richard Fuhr
July 11, 2016
As a patient of Dr. Johnson I greatly appreciated his quirky sense of humor, his supreme dental expertise, and his ever-present concern for the comfort and well being of his patients.
I extend my condolences to his family, to his friends, to his colleagues, and to all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
Jeanne Northfield
July 10, 2016
We were so sorry to hear of Dr. Bart's death. To my adult disabled sons, he was patient, kind and funny while providing the best of dental care. He had a positive impact on us and will be sorely missed. My heartfelt sympathy to his family, friends and co-workers.
Brenda Smith
July 9, 2016
My condolences to Bart's children, family, and friends. Bart was a talented professional. More than that he was kind, cheerful and fun to be with...even as I sat in the dental chair. I knew I was in good hands. I admired his braveness and resolve in the face of a cruel illness. I miss him as I know many others also do.
Tara Fonteyn
July 8, 2016
As a friend, you will be missed as your kindness and consideration of others was always present. You leave a large legacy to many and leave very large shoes to fill. Your life was cut short too soon, and Kristen, Chelsea and Nikai miss you so much as I do. Many friends, family and patients and colleagues will grieve your loss for a very long time.
Andrea and Doug Early
July 8, 2016
We send our deep sympathy to Bart's family. As neighbors, we will remember his generous spirit and kindness.
Amy Cook
July 7, 2016
I worked for Bart as a dental assistant in Hospital Dentistry at the UW in 1991, then in the Roosevelt Clinic in 2002 as a dental student, learned so much from him as a dental student and considered him a friend. Every day in my practice, I recall something he taught me. What moved me most was his pure spirit, always kind. Never flustered. He smiled at the biggest challenges. We, as dentists, patients, and humans, have lost a treasure. Thank you, Bart, for all you gave. I will always remember you. Amy Cook
Kimberly Burton
July 7, 2016
I had the pleasure of knowing Bart Johnson as a fellow parent. Our children went to preschool together. I would often see Bart and Kristen together when parents were invited to the preschool for children's performances. He was often signing for Kristen which really touched me. Our children became friends and I remember several birthday parties at their house that were filled with fun and costumes and imagination (a Harry Potter birthday party in particular stands out). Bart was a wonderfully loving and devoted father. I am so so sorry, Chelsea and Nikai, for your loss.
Victoria Gless
July 7, 2016
I met Bart, because I fell off the front stoop of his neighbors' home and busted my chin open one Sunday afternoon. Having heard the thud, he rushed out and toted me down 45th to his office at Seattle Special Care where he and his colleague Amy Winstead spent more than an hour putting in three layers of stitches.
Two dentists on their day off doing mini-surgery on someone they didn't know at all: and that's how it was with Bart and the people around him.
We developed a friendship. He asked my advice on nonprofit management. In return, he treated me to a never-ending series of jokes. The quality varied, but when I had work done on my teeth (he became my dentist instantly), there was a lot of noisy laughter in the office.
His residency program brings together the best possibilities for what dentistry can do in a democratic societysomething most of us never think aboutand the mission of a great public research university. Bart was deceptively unassuming in that he was, by any character standard, a massive over-achiever. I imagine anyone who knew him would say that Bart was a nice guy, and everyone who knew him would understand how very much that meant.
His smile, his laugh, and his generosity are part of the atmosphere. My condolences to everyone who worked with him and to his family.
Victoria Gless
Frank Dowd
July 7, 2016
Dr. Johnson was a trusted colleague who will be deeply missed. We feel honored that he was one of our editors on the textbook, Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Dentistry. He played an integral part in putting this new edition together. We could always count on him for expert input as an editor and author, even in the face of his illness. We will miss his expertise, his friendly demeanor, and his commitment and contributions to his profession and society.
Frank Dowd
Angelo Mariotti
(Editors of Pharmacology and Therapeutics for Dentistry)
amy richards
July 6, 2016
I am so saddened that Bart has left us. He's been my dentist for about 5 years and I actually looked forward to my appointments with him. Just the kindest, most patient guy ever. I loved his silly sense of humor - he was forever joking. I came to trust him so much that I let him fill a small cavity without novocain - he promised it wouldn't hurt, and of course he delivered. I'm so grateful to have known him. My thoughts are with his family and his wonderful colleagues.
Grace Hsiao Wu, DMD, MPH
July 6, 2016
Bart was a wonderful instructor, leader and person. I have very fond memories of the year spent in his general practice residency at the UW. I learned an immeasurable amount and was always uplifted by his enthusiasm, wit and intelligence. I have kept in touch with him sporadically throughout the years and never has he wavered from his character. He was always encouraging, strong, gracious and knowledgeable. I will miss him.
Julie Veatch
July 6, 2016
My condolences and prayers go out to the family and friends. I work with Bart's sister, Julie, but had the pleasure of getting to know Bart's generosity when he helped my 8 year old daughter with her flat Stanley project. He went above and beyond for a little girl he didn't even know. I was so impressed with his kindness and am so sorry to hear of his passing. May he rest in peace.
Hillary Thomasser
July 6, 2016
I had the great pleasure of working with Bart in the middle of the night, as I am a full time night emergency medicine physician at SMC First Hill,many many times. He was always a delight to work with. I recently admitted him and he was still upbeat and optimistic. He will be missed greatly. He built an awesome dental residency program here and we will forever be grateful. Godspeed.
Antonio Iannarone
July 5, 2016
My thoughts and prayers for all the family during these trying times.
Dr. Antonio t. Iannarone, CODA
Philip Spory
July 5, 2016
Very sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Johnson. He was a great teacher. It's extra sad his life was cut much too short. He gave a lot to many people.
John Crestetto DDS MD
July 5, 2016
Bart launched me on my way to many further years of education while at UCLA in 1990. He was extremely influential to me and his principles are still in my daily practice. It was so very special to be able to see him lecture in Myrtle Beach for our State Society Meeting about a month ago. The lecture rooms were packed and he was "on game" one hundred percent. His spirit will live on....
Dianne Hertzberg
July 5, 2016
Dr. Johnson was my son's dentist and mine. I loved his professionalism, his generous heart, and his ability to deal with Josh's fears and physical restrictions with kindness and humor. His commitment to excellence was very much appreciated. I teach third grade and asked him what I should tell my students about brushing their teeth. He told me to tell them that all that scum on their teeth was bacteria poop! Parent's reported a dramatic increase in tooth brushing! LOL. Bart was one of the good guys. My condolences to his family and to all his patients who will miss him dearly.
Dianne Hertzberg
Cindy Ausink
July 5, 2016
I met and began working with Bart in 2005 when we initiated our Northwest Dental Residency Program (AEGD) here in Yakima, Washington. Bart was an absolute joy to work with, having a tremendous sense of humor and quick wit. I considered him a friend and colleague and will miss him greatly. God be with you Bart as you travel home!
July 4, 2016
Bart Johnson saved my life and was by far the absolute best dentist in the world. I don't know what I'll do without him. My heart aches for all of us left behind.
Wendy Crisafulli
July 4, 2016
Bart was a wonderful teacher for me in my post-grad dental classes. I knew if he was teaching, I was going to be able to learn a very complicated subject with ease. I have pages of notes from his lectures. Thank you, Bart! He loved to teach and was such a gift to our profession. He treated so many patients that had dental fears and compromised health -- I can imagine this is a great loss for them. Thank you to Bart's practice and to his family for sharing him with us all these years.
Elicia Thompson
July 4, 2016
I was a member of the last UW GPR class that Bart directed 2006-2007. As all those that have gone before me can attest to, it was a rigorous program. But Bart always made you feel supported. He was sickeningly cheerful all the time. Even when you called him to the ED at 3am to help you splint some kids teeth back together! We all loved and respected him and I'm devastated that I'll never get to see him or hear his "boyish" voice again.
Ryan Chuang
July 3, 2016
Bart was my mentor, but always treated me and my fellow residents as colleagues. Even though he laughed at his own jokes more than his listeners, he still somehow made me smile when I think about those jokes after all these years. RIP Bart.
Melissa Miller
July 3, 2016
Bart Johnson was one of the most inspirational people I know. He was my dentist for over 20 years, helped me through thick and thin, personal termoil, and finally, success. He was a true cheerleader in life. I know how much this man meant to me so I can only imagine how many lives he touched. He is one of a kind and they broke the mold. Thank god he mentored so many to follow in his footsteps. I love this kind, gentle, empathetic and understanding person. He will be missed beyond words.
Laura Howrey
July 3, 2016
He taught me a great deal. He was an inspiration, and it was a pleasure to know him. He will be sorely missed.
Jessica Atkins
July 3, 2016
Bart was one of the most humble men I've ever had the pleasure to meet. He was my employer for a little over 2yrs and in that short time impacted me so much. His compassion, quirky sense of humor, joy, and generosity made working with him a wonderful experience that I will look back on with fondest of memories.
Joshua Jones
July 3, 2016
Bart was my first and only dentist that can sign well. It was really nice to be able to communicate directly with him without having an interpreter or write it down to communicate like I did with other dentists. He had a great sense of humor. I will miss him. My condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Bart Johnson.
Dennis White
July 3, 2016
I have a fear of dentists. Bart made me feel comfortable. But most of all, I trusted him. He was so very easy to talk to, and had the ability to make a person at ease. I will respect and miss him greatly.
Steven Wan
July 3, 2016
I had the honor to attend his classes and sit by him at a fund raiser. I will always remember his kindness, sense of humor and love for those he served. Steve Wan DDS MS.
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