Endodontist in Walnut Creek CA

Joanne M. Jensen, DDS, MS

Dr. Joanne Jensen has been practicing endodontics in Contra Costa County since 2005. A California native, she grew up in Santa Cruz and graduated from Santa Catalina School.

Dr. Jensen earned her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, where she developed a strong foundation in scientific research. During her time at Berkeley, she worked at Chiron Corporation contributing to the engineering of a novel DNA sequence. She later joined a research laboratory under the direction of Professor Jack Kirsch, studying enzyme mechanisms and rate-limiting steps, further strengthening her analytical and problem-solving skills.

Following graduation, Dr. Jensen was recruited by Genencor International, an industrial enzyme research company, where she worked on protein engineering of proteases used in laundry detergents. Her work contributed to 18 patents, including a novel method for detecting enzymatic activity. This rigorous research background continues to influence her meticulous, thoughtful, and innovative approach to endodontic care.

Dr. Jensen began her dental training at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, graduating in 2002 as a member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honor Society, the highest academic distinction in dentistry. She then completed a General Practice Residency at The Ohio State University, where she gained extensive experience treating medically complex patients, including those undergoing cancer therapy, as well as advanced restorative and pediatric cases. During this time, she also served at Columbus Children’s Hospital, providing care in both clinical and emergency settings.

Driven by her passion for endodontics, Dr. Jensen continued her specialty training at The Ohio State University, earning her Endodontic Certificate and Master of Science in Oral Biology in 2005. Ohio State’s program is nationally recognized for its leadership in pain management and local anesthetic research. Her thesis, focused on the anesthetic efficacy of repeated intraosseous injections, was published in the Journal of Endodontics and provided her with advanced expertise in achieving profound, reliable anesthesia.

Dr. Jensen has continued to expand her expertise through advanced training in oral sedation, complementing her deep knowledge of local anesthesia. Her combined skill set allows her to provide a highly comfortable, compassionate, and patient-centered experience, even in the most challenging cases.

Dr. Jensen is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics, a distinction that represents the highest level of achievement in the specialty and reflects her commitment to excellence in patient care. She also serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for the Journal of Endodontics, contributing to the advancement of the field.

Dr. Jensen resides in Moraga with her husband, Derek, and their three children, Peter, Evan, and Adelyn. She is actively involved in the St. Perpetua school community and enjoys supporting her children’s many athletic activities. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her large extended family.