Dr. Tara Johnston
Dentistry in Novato & Mill Valley/Mill Valley
Dr. Johnston is honored to join the Marin Modern Dentistry team, bringing over a decade of clinical experience and a deep commitment to exceptional patient care. A proud Bay Area native, she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of California, San Francisco, one of the nation’s top dental programs. Following dental school, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) residency, further refining her skills in comprehensive dental care.
With more than 10 years of experience serving patients throughout the Bay Area, Dr. Johnston is highly proficient in all aspects of general dentistry including preventive care, restorative procedures, and extractions. She has a special passion for cosmetic dentistry and finds great fulfillment in helping patients transform their smiles through veneers, whitening, and complete smile makeovers. Her artistic eye and meticulous attention to detail ensure that each smile is as natural as it is beautiful.
Dr. Johnston also has advanced training in the treatment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. She offers therapeutic Botox as a non-invasive, effective option to relieve jaw tension, facial pain, and symptoms related to clenching or grinding.
Believing strongly in the power of prevention, Dr. Johnston takes an educational approach to dentistry—empowering her patients with the knowledge and tools they need for long-term oral health. She is known for her calm, compassionate chairside manner and her commitment to making every patient feel informed, heard, and at ease.
A lifelong learner, Dr. Johnston regularly pursues continuing education and keeps current on the latest advancements in dental materials and technologies. She is an active member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Francisco Dental Society, and the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
Dr. Johnston currently lives in San Francisco, where she enjoys hiking with her dog, running, cooking, and designing floral arrangements for weddings and events. She is also passionate about global outreach and regularly volunteers with Somos Amigos, a nonprofit that delivers dental and medical care to underserved communities in the Dominican Republic.
