MEET THE GRAND RAPIDS DENTAL TEAM
KORI
Office Manager/Registered Dental Assistant
Kori is a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College and has been with Benton Family Dental since then, beginning as a Registered Dental Assistant 25 years ago. Kori enjoys managing the day-to-day operations of our dental office, helping her team to succeed in providing high-quality dental care for the Grand Rapids community. She says one of the things she admires most about working with us is the longevity of both our staff and our patients. When you work with Kori, you’ll find she’s loyal, friendly, and funny. When she’s not working, Kori is a booster for her kids’ sports, hanging out with family, and taking walks with her German Shepard.
RACHEL
Following graduation from Grand Rapids Community College, Rachel joined our practice as a dental assistant. Rachel says she loves working at Benton Family Dental because of the close-knit team relationships and the opportunity to provide the best care possible for our Grand Rapids Patients. She adds that she enjoys trying to keep two steps ahead in anticipating the doctor’s needs, and she finds it most rewarding to see a patient’s face light up when they see the cosmetic results of BioClear tooth bonding. Rachel most loves time with her baby daughter and evening bonfires with friends and family.
COLLEEN
Billing Coordinator
Colleen is a graduate of Grand Rapids Educational Center and Davenport College. She first worked as a dental assistant with Benton Family Dental beginning in 1988, prior to leaving to become an administrator with the Potawatomi Health Service and then running her own professional uniform shop. At our busy dental office, Colleen is the go-to person for all things relating to billing, accounts, and insurance claims. She handles it all with grace and ease. Over the years, Colleen says she’s enjoyed learning patients’ stories to relate with them on a more personal level. After all these years of working with us, Colleen says we’re just one big extended dental family, caring for each other and our patients with compassion. Colleen is married with three kids, eight grandchildren, and seven granddogs. Her favorite pastime is quilting but she also loves the outdoors.
HEATHER W.
Registered Dental Assistant
Heather is a graduate of Grand Rapids Community College with her RDA and earned a bachelor’s degree in Allied Health Science from Ferris State University. She has worked from the beginning of her dental career with Smile Family Dentistry over a decade ago. Heather enjoys brightening the smiles of our patients by providing Zoom Teeth Whitening. “It’s amazing to witness the dramatic, often life-changing difference this in-office service can make for our Grand Rapids Patients!” Heather says she stays busy at our dental office doing all things dental assisting, from working chairside to lab work, ordering supplies, and helping our team of dentists provide outstanding patient care. A native of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Heather is determined, hardworking, easygoing, and goal-oriented. When she’s not helping out others and getting to know our patients, Heather enjoys gardening, bowling, and family time chasing her young daughter, four dogs, and two cats.
ANN
Registered Dental Hygienist
Her interest in helping people drove Ann to graduate from Mott Community College and enter the world of dentistry. Since 1984, Ann has cared for generations of smiles as a registered dental hygienist. We’re glad she’s joined our Grand Rapids dental office because everyone loves Ann for being fun, kind, humorous, compassionate, and creative. Ann was eager to become a part of the team at Benton Family Dental because of how genuine, friendly, and caring everyone is with patients every day. Ann says that if she weren’t educating patients about oral health, she’d share knowledge in the classroom as a teacher. When she’s not busy at work, you might find Ann traveling someplace new to explore. Ann is married to Doug, and together they have five children. She enjoys walking, crafting, and spending time with her family.
ALLYSON
Registered Dental Hygienist
Allyson earned her Associate’s in Dental Hygiene and a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health from Ferris State University. She has been in the dental field for over five years and joined Benton Family Dental after moving to Grand Rapids in 2023. She enjoys educating patients on oral health in a way that excites and motivates them, making their dental visits comfortable and rewarding.
Patients appreciate Allyson’s friendly and understanding approach. She is passionate about both traditional and holistic dental care and has even participated in a dental mission trip to Guyana. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, and attending live music events. A fun fact—she played rugby for five years at Ferris State!
ELMA
Registered Dental Assistant
Elma is a Registered Dental Assistant who completed her training at Grand Rapids Community College through a 10-month accelerated program, gaining 300 hours of hands-on experience in dental offices. She joined Benton Family Dental in 2023 and enjoys making patients feel comfortable while assisting the doctors with procedures. She finds it rewarding to help people, build trust with patients, and continuously learn new skills in the field.
A dedicated team player, Elma is known for her organizational skills, empathy, and attention to detail. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, working out, traveling, and trying new recipes. A fun fact—she’s double-jointed in her knees and has never been on a rollercoaster!
LYNSEY
Registered Dental Hygienist
SHANNON
Registered Dental Hygienist
MARJORIE
Certified Dental Assistant
KARLIN
To Be Added . . .
