PACIFIC NORTHWEST ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGEONS - Key Persons

Ben Johnson was inspired to go into oral surgery by his father, Dr. Carl Johnson, and their lifelong friend and colleague, Dr. Rick Edwards. He saw the differences they were able to make in patients' lives and wanted to be able to do the same. Now, Dr. Ben works with his father on a daily basis and feels extremely lucky for the opportunity. He shares a similar philosophy with the other oral surgeons at Pacific Northwest Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons regarding patient care and satisfaction, which centers on providing highly focused, patient-centered treatment. Dr. Ben strives to treat every patient like they are a part of the family. He understands that coming into the office for oral surgery can be a potentially anxious process, and he works hard to make each patient's experience as comfortable as possible. Dr. Ben enjoys practicing oral surgery because it provides him with the opportunity to improve patients' lives.

Dr. Carl Johnson grew up in a small mining town in Nevada. He didn't always know that he wanted to be an oral surgeon; rather, he discovered his interest in dentistry while he was studying for his undergraduate degree. While working for a professor in an embryology lab with his cousin, Dr. Carl realized that he wanted a career in a field that could help people. This work, combined with the inspiration from his father being an orthodontist, led Dr. Carl to go to dental school. When he first started dental school, Dr. Carl had no intention of specializing in oral surgery. After a couple of years of education and training, however, he realized oral and maxillofacial surgery appealed to him. He was interested in providing patients with more comprehensive care than he could give them as a dentist. As an oral surgeon, he strives to treat patients with respect and care using the most efficient tools for an accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. He finds it extremely gratifying to provide patients who are in pain with solutions that have them leaving the practice with a functional new smile.

Job Titles:

• Surgeon
• Member of the American Medical Association

Dr. Kevin Huang is a compassionate oral surgeon who is dedicated to providing a pleasant and comfortable experience for his patients. Dr. Huang has always been drawn to the arts, sciences, and working with his hands. One day in college, while working as a service technician at a local Volkswagen dealership, it came to him which career could incorporate his interests. From that day on, Dr. Huang was committed to becoming the best oral and maxillofacial surgeon. As a physician, having the ability to positively impact his patients' quality of life is what Dr. Huang finds the most satisfying. He is able to use his artistic and surgical talents to profoundly impact one's self-esteem and self-perception. Most importantly, Dr. Huang looks forward to meeting and working with every patient and is honored to be a member of this profession. Dr. Huang's sense of humor and calm demeanor will comfort nervous and anxious patients. He aims to establish a strong personal connection and treat patients holistically as human beings instead of surgical procedures. Being nervous is a natural part of being human. Dr. Huang's goal is to use his personal experiences and extensive medical and dental training to provide you with the utmost care. He strives to provide the most comfortable and pleasant experience for you. Dr. Huang's training began at the University of Washington School of Dentistry, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. He went on to complete his training at the 6-year Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program at Ascension St. John Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Huang obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) from Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed a year in general and trauma surgery training to further his education and improve patient care. While in Michigan, Dr. Huang took special interest in head and neck surgeries, facial reconstruction, dentoalveolar, cosmetics, and research in improving quality of life. Throughout his training, he published multiple research articles and presented at several surgical conferences. He was also selected as resident of the year on multiple occasions.

Dr. Rick Edwards was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho. In his teenage years, he realized he wanted to go into dentistry, inspired both by his mom's encouragement and his orthodontist neighbor. Originally, Dr. Rick intended to follow in his neighbor's footsteps and become an orthodontist; however, when he was at dental school, he found he was more interested in the oral surgery clinic and that the oral and maxillofacial specialty aligned better with his goals to help people. During dental school, Dr. Rick went to Mexico to assist in cleft lip and palate treatment; after being able to truly help change people's lives, he knew there was nothing else he would rather do for his career. Dr. Rick enjoys working in a group practice with Dr. Carl, who he met and befriended in college, because it provides him with the opportunity to interact with and help several different communities. The ultimate reward for Dr. Rick is seeing patients out in public who remember being treated and thank him for the services he provided. He believes that helping people find solutions to their oral health problems and helping them start better lives is the best life he could imagine for himself.

Originally from Socorro, New Mexico, Dr. Soliman has always been passionate about surgical specialties. With a particular interest in the head and neck and after working at a dental clinic, oral surgery was a natural fit. The positive changes that oral surgery provides to patients is incredibly rewarding, whether it's relieving pain or reconstructing the entire face. Dr. Soliman strives to create an atmosphere that is welcoming, receptive, and understanding. He wants every patient to feel confident about their care and will always take the time to answer questions and be sure they are comfortable.