PORTLAND – Dr. Rudolph (Rudy) Johnson was recently honored for his years of service on the Community Dental board of directors. Johnson also received a plaque from the State Legislature recognizing his contribution to the community last winter.

In January, Johnson sold his private dental practice, which served residents of Sanford for 33 years. Following his “retirement,” he resigned from the Community Dental board to become a member of the professional staff. Primarily practicing at the Portland Dental Center on Brighton Avenue, he also works at centers in Saco, Auburn and Farmington.

Asked why he would trade the relaxation of retirement to work at a busy community dental center, he said, “I thought it was time for a change. I’ll be working at Community Dental, providing dental care for low income families. There is a tremendous shortage of dentists throughout Maine. Few dentists accept MaineCare patients because of the low reimbursement by the state.”

Community Dental is a nonprofit, United Way and community-supported organization with six dental health centers in southern and central Maine. It offers a sliding fee scale and accept MaineCare and private insurance.