At the end of January 2021, Apple Tree's longtime employee, Licensed Dental Hygienist Maureen Johnson, is retiring.

Maureen, who previously worked as a hygienist in the Rochester area with Good Samaritan, is a huge reason why Apple Tree came to Rochester in the first place.

"I knew there was a big need here in Rochester, so I encouraged [Dr. Michael Helgeson, Apple Tree Dental CEO] to look into the possibility of starting a mobile program here.  He didn't think there was enough need and I just wanted to prove him wrong," Maureen said in a 2020 interview with A Tale of Two Hygienists podcast.  "So I ended up actually helping launch the program down here; I was the first employee."

With Maureen's help, Apple Tree opened its Rochester Center for Dental Health in 2008.  Since then, Maureen has worked closely with special needs and geriatric patients in our clinic and as part of the mobile program that brings care directly to long-term care facilities.

Over her career, Maureen has made a huge difference to countless patients and colleagues.  We wish her well in her retirement adventures!

Watch Apple Tree's tribute to Maureen!