2023 LIVING LEGEND (MEDICINE & PHILANTHROPY) John L. Barnett, Jr., DDS

Dr. John L. Barnett, Jr. is a native of Fort Worth, Texas graduating from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in 1966. He earned a BS from Howard University in 1970; a DDS from Howard University Dental School in 1975; and a Specialty Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Howard University Dental School in 1978. While at Howard Dental School, Dr. Barnett met and married the love of his life, Dr. Arlene S. Barnett in 1976.

After completing his dental training, Dr. Barnett started his practice in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1978 becoming the first African American to establish a Pediatric Dental Practice in the state of Louisiana. Drs. Barnett established Barnett Dental Group in 1984 as a multi-specialty group.

Following the devastation of New Orleans by hurricane Katrina in 2005, Dr. Barnett moved back to his native Fort Worth and established Kids Stop Dental Care with his wife Dr. Arlene Barnett in 2007.

Dr. Barnett has served as the President of the Pelican State Dental Association, President of the Louisiana Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Chairman of the Medicaid Task Force for the Louisiana Dental Association. He also has held the position of Associate Professor at LSU School of Dentistry and Adjunct Professor at Xavier University College of Pharmacy.

Dr. Barnett is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and an ordained Baptist Minister. He presently serves as Chairman, Fort Worth African American Museum and Cultural Center and is a Board memberelect of the Rotary Club of Fort Worth.

Dr. Barnett is committed to his health through jogging, weight training, nutrition and yoga. He has completed six marathons in his running career. Dr. Barnett and his wife, Dr Arlene Barnett have three children; Airin, John III (Harmony) and Nathaniel as well as three grandchildren; Cadence, John IV and Aria.