Dentists

Chris Johnson, DDS

Comprehensive Dentistry

Dr. Chris Johnson works with all aspects of restorative and general dentistry, including endodontics (root canals), crowns/bridges, whitening, bonding, other cosmetics, oral surgery, periodontics (gum treatment) and dental implants.

Dr. Chris Johnson grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, and graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School. His undergraduate studies were completed at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire where he received a Bachelor of Science degree. Dr. Johnson was accepted to the University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After dental school he completed a one-year General Practice Residency in the University of Minnesota Hospital Dental Clinic.

Upon completion of the GPR Program, Dr. Johnson was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Dental corps. He served three years active duty in the Navy with one year at the Naval Station 32nd Street in San Diego, California, and two years aboard the Aircraft Carrier, USS Kitty Hawk CV-63. Upon completion of his naval service, Dr. Johnson joined Hillside Dental in 1997.

When not at the office, Dr. Johnson enjoys golf, canoeing, and the outdoors with his wife, Michelle, along with his daughter and son. Dr. Johnson also serves the dental profession and the public by being very involved with organized dentistry by volunteering with the Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) as a local and national leader.  He is the 2023 past president of the WDA.

He has taken many courses in continuing education, including endodontics, operative dentistry, non-surgical periodontal therapy, caries and periodontal disease, medical emergencies, pain control, esthetic restorative dentistry, porcelain inlays and onlays.

You can trust Dr. Chris Johnson with your dental care.

Stephen Welna, DDS

Family Dentistry

Dr. Welna grew up in Rochester, MN.  After graduating from North Carolina State University with degrees in Chemistry and Plant Biology he returned to Rochester to work for Mayo Clinic as a lab technician in their Biochemical Genetics Lab.  While at Mayo Clinic he also worked in test development, producing new blood tests to help support state newborn screening programs.  Dr. Welna’s passion for dentistry began in Rochester while volunteering at the Salvation Army Good Samaritan Dental Clinic.

Dr. Welna graduated from the University of Minnesota Dental School with the highest academic distinction, earning awards in both fixed and removable prosthodontics, and honors in periodontology.  He is passionate about family dentistry and providing care to people of all ages.  He loves to use modern technology to improve dental experiences and educate patients about their mouth.  Dr. Welna also spends time at the Chippewa Valley Free Clinic and is currently the Vice President of the Chippewa Valley Dental Society.

Dr. Welna, his wife Sarah, and their four young children will often be seen at local playgrounds, going for walks, hikes, bike rides, and floating around on the local waterways in their canoe.  He loves to hike, camp, hunt, fish, ski, and enjoys teaching his children to do these things as well.  If you have a favorite local outdoor spot Dr. Welna would love to hear about it!

Brett Taylor, DMD

Family Dentistry

It is our privilege to introduce our newest dentist to the Hillside Dental Team, Dr. Brett Taylor. He will start this July.

Dr. Brett was raised in Camarillo, California. Before entering dental school, he spent 11 years as a Para-rescue Jumper in the Air Force.   He trained for his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and graduated from Roseman University of Health Sciences in Jordan, Utah. His wife, Emily, grew up in the Chippewa Valley, and they are happy to be raising their three children here.  Dr. Brett enjoys all aspects of dentistry, but finds Oral Surgery, Endodontics and new digital technology to be most intriguing and exciting.  Outside of dentistry, he coaches his kids soccer team, and finds time for fishing and mountain biking.

We are thrilled to have him join Hillside Dental.  You will find him to be a competent, caring, and dedicated dentist.