The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) and the Journal of the Massachusetts Dental Society are pleased to announce Lawrence dentist and North Andover resident Joseph Beninato, DMD, as the 2024 William McKenna Volunteer Hero. A member of the MDS and the Merrimack District Dental Society with a general dental practice in Lawrence, MA, Dr. Beninato has volunteered in a variety of capacities with the Society. Most notably, he held several key roles with the Yankee Dental Congress, the premier dental meeting in the United States for dental professionals.
Joseph Beninato, DMD
Since 1996, the MDS and the Journal have recognized member dentists who have dedicated their enthusiasm, talents, and time to the MDS and organized dentistry as William McKenna Volunteer Heroes. This recognition, named in honor of the late Dr. William McKenna—one of the founders of the Yankee Dental Congress and a model of volunteerism within the Society—is the Society’s way of thanking those members who go above and beyond to help the MDS achieve its goals, inspire colleagues, and advance the dental profession. In past years, several members were honored, but this year, Dr. Beninato was the only dentist awarded this honor.
Dr. Beninato’s volunteerism began when he was young and has remained a driving force throughout his life. He has, and continues to, volunteer both in his personal and professional life. Dr. Beninato initially became involved with the MDS while in dental school at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Through the University, he volunteered for the Massachusetts Dental Society’s Yankee Dental Congress, an annual conference that draws thousands of dental professionals from all over the world. This experience made such an impression that he has continued volunteering for Yankee and the MDS in varying capacities ever since—for the past 39 years!
As MDS Merrimack Valley District treasurer for 35 years, Dr. Beninato has mentored many dentists throughout his career at both the district and state levels. He has been an active member on several MDS committees, a district delegate for the MDS House of Delegates, and for almost four decades, a dedicated volunteer and chair for a variety of Yankee Dental Congress committees. “As a man of few words but many good deeds, Dr. Beninato has been a life-long volunteer hero for our profession and beyond,” shared his anonymous nominator.
Dr. Beninato believes volunteering has made him a more well-rounded dentist. “It has given me a better view of the different aspects that affect my practice. These, in turn, carry over to experiences in your personal life. The information gained from these experiences can be shared with staff and patients for a more fulfilling career,” he explained. This deserving volunteer hero, Dr. Joseph Beninato, has spent a lifetime giving to his community and profession.
About the Massachusetts Dental Society
The Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS), a professional association representing 5,000-plus member dentists and a statewide constituent of the American Dental Association, is dedicated to the professional development of its member dentists through initiatives in education, advocacy, the promotion of the highest professional standards, and championing oral health in the Commonwealth. For more information, visit massdental.org and follow the MDS on Twitter @MassDental.
