MEET THE GRAND RAPIDS DENTAL TEAM​

Your Friendly Smile Squad for Optimal Oral Health.

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

Registered Dental Assistant

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

Lynsey earned her Associate in Applied Science from Kellogg Community College and is certified in local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and CPR/BLS. She transitioned from a career in childcare to dental hygiene, drawn to the field for its flexibility and ability to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. She enjoys educating patients about oral health and finds it rewarding when they share how much of a difference she has made. Known for her fresh perspective and compassionate approach, Lynsey is passionate about preventative dentistry and patient care. Outside of work, she loves reading, trying new workouts, and hiking with her dog, Goose. A fun fact—she was awarded Outstanding Dental Hygiene Graduate!

SHANNON

Registered Dental Hygienist

Shannon has been a dental hygienist for 25 years, earning her Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene from Ferris State University. She was drawn to the field by her love for helping others and believes a healthy smile can boost confidence and overall well-being. She enjoys building trust with patients, making their visits comfortable, and seeing the instant results of a great cleaning. Shannon brings a lighthearted, easy-going energy to the office, helping patients feel at ease with her humor and warm personality. Outside of work, she loves traveling, hiking, rock hunting, and spending time with her family and pets. A fun fact—she’s always up for an adventure and loves finding unique treasures along lakeshores and beaches!

MARJORIE

Certified Dental Assistant

Marjorie has been a dedicated dental assistant for 35 years, earning her certification from the Grand Rapids Educational Center and later achieving her CDA through DANB at GRCC. She enjoys working alongside talented doctors and a great team, helping patients feel confident in their smiles. Her goal is to make every dental visit a positive experience by ensuring patients feel comfortable and well cared for. With decades of hands-on experience, Marjorie brings valuable knowledge and a calming presence to the office. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family, reading, hiking, and kayaking. She also stays involved in her community through school and sports activities with her children.

KARLIN

To Be Added . . .