Celebrating National Diversity Day: How Benevis Reflects the Communities We Serve
At Benevis, diversity is not just celebrated, it is core to who we serve, what we do, when and where we provide treatment, and how we deliver care. For National Diversity Day, celebrated on the first Friday of October, we reflect on our commitment to diversity and providing comprehensive care by a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
Oral Healthcare for All
Our mission at Benevis is to provide high-quality oral healthcare to underserved communities. Access to dental care is a challenge for many people across the country, particularly in minority and low-income populations. By focusing on expanding access to these communities, we ensure that oral health is not a privilege but a right for everyone, regardless of socioeconomic status or background.
At the 100+ local offices in 13 states and the District of Columbia, over 80% of Benevis patients are covered by Medicaid and/or Children’s Heath Insurance Programs (CHIP) to receive dental and orthodontic care and treatment. Benevis is among the 18% of dental providers that manage more than 100 child Medicaid visits annually.
A Workforce as Diverse as Our Patients
The communities we serve are made up of individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, and at Benevis, we believe that our workforce should reflect this diversity. Our team of clinicians and staff comes from different races, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences, and this diversity strengthens our ability to connect with and care for our patients. When patients walk into one of our offices, they see people who look like them. This representation is powerful—it builds trust, fosters communication, and leads to better health outcomes. For example:
- While 35% of U.S. dentists are women, over half (51%) of Benevis dentists are women
- 33% of Benevis dentists are women from a minority group.
- Less than 4% of U.S. dentists are Black, while 21% of Benevis dentists are Black.
By having a diverse team, we are better equipped to understand the unique needs, perspectives, and challenges our patients face, ensuring they receive the most compassionate and culturally sensitive care possible.
The Power of Representation
Studies have shown that patients tend to have better healthcare experiences and outcomes when treated by providers who share their background.
“Diversity is core to our mission at Benevis, and it’s one of my favorite things about our dental offices,” said Dr. Jessica George, DDS, Benevis District Dental Director. “Many of our doctors reflect our patients, and our patients see themselves in our doctors and me. This helps us build patient confidence and avoid cultural miscommunications. Because we understand and appreciate diversity in our offices, we can help our patients feel more comfortable.”
At Benevis, we are proud that our staff and clinicians come from diverse backgrounds, which helps break down barriers to care. Whether it's a patient who speaks a different language or one who is hesitant to seek care due to cultural reasons, our diverse team can bridge those gaps and ensure that every patient feels seen, heard, and understood.
Beyond improved treatment, having a diverse staff encourages children to consider a career in dentistry too. “It’s important for kids to have someone come in and work with them so they can see, there’s someone who looks like me and he’s an orthodontist. I can do that one day, too!” said Dr. Julian Stewart, DDS, at Franklin Dental & Braces.
Looking to the Future
Benevis remains committed to recruiting and supporting diverse talent. We understand that the future of healthcare depends on embracing a variety of perspectives, skills, and experiences. Diversity strengthens our organization, enhances the care we provide, and helps us achieve our mission of making oral healthcare accessible to all.
On this National Diversity Day, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone—staff, clinicians, and patients—can thrive. Together, we are creating a diverse and inclusive nation of happy, healthy smiles.
To learn more, download Benevis’ Culture of Diversity overview.
