First Impressions Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics

Hello! I’m Dr. John Clifford. I’m excited to be joining the First Impressions team and am grateful to have the opportunity to meet you and your family! Helping families work together to achieve their child’s dental health goals and create a superstar patient is a passion of mine. I’m light-hearted and truly care about making your child’s dental experience one of fun, trust, and confidence!

My family has been part of the Wausau community for many years and I am looking forward to calling the central Wisconsin area home, too. Joining me in the move to Wausau is my wife Breanna, our two sons Brooks and Calvin, and our dog Otis (who – despite our last name – is not big and red).

Professionally, I obtained my Bachelor of Science (Biology) and Master’s (Entrepreneurship and Science Business Administration) degrees from the University of Notre Dame. GO IRISH! While in school, I participated in multiple dental brigades to Ecuador where my interest of and appreciation for the impact of pediatric dentistry began. After graduation (and some quality time spent skiing out West!), I returned home to Minnesota to complete my Doctor of Dental Surgery and Pediatric Specialty programs at the University of Minnesota. I graduated with high honors and distinguished awards in both operative and pediatric dentistry. 

I am an active member of the following professional organizations:

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Dental Association
• Wisconsin Dental Association
• Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society
• Delta Sigma Delta International Dental Fraternity

My family and I enjoy traveling, good food, home and car projects, and spending time outdoors year-round: skiing on both water and snow, playing hockey, fishing, camping and hunting. We look forward to continuing that lifestyle here in Wausau, and if you have any recommendations I’d love to hear them!