The Michael T. Rainwater Dentist of the Year Award was created by NDDS in 1971 to recognize annually a member of the organization who has contributed significantly to the progress of dental health and the dental profession, and who has demonstrated good citizenship by participation in worthwhile community affairs.
Henry B. Benson Jr., DDS Named Dentist of the Year
The newest recipient of the Michael T. Rainwater Dentist of the Year Award
2023 Dentist of the Year
The Northern District Dental Society is proud to announce Dr. Henry Benson as the newest recipient of the Michael T. Rainwater Dentist of the Year Award Dr. Henry Benson has been in private practice since 1978 and is an Atlanta native. After completing two years of his undergraduate degree at Auburn University he transferred to Emory University to finish his Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Dr. Benson also obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Emory in 1978. He has served as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Oral Rehabilitation at the Dental College of Georgia in Augusta and is very active in the local District, State, and National dental organizations.
Dr. Benson is committed to helping his patients maintain optimal dental health and is dedicated to serving the community both locally through volunteer organizations and through national advocacy.
Locally he is active with his church, The Cathedral of St. Philip, previously serving on the Chapter (governing board), finance team, outreach, and usher team. He has assisted in the building of 19 (and counting) Habitat for Humanity homes in the Metro Atlanta area.
Dr. Benson has two sons, Matthew and Christopher. Matthew is a general dentist practicing in Cape Coral, Florida. He and his wife, Trish, have provided “Pop Pop” with two amazing grandsons. Christopher passed away in 2005 while a student at Auburn University but lives on in many wonderful memories. Dr. Benson’s partner in life and at the office is his also amazing wife, Lesley, whom he shares a grandson with named Theo.
In his spare time Dr. Benson enjoys traveling, outdoor cooking on his Traeger, and attempting to re-establish his mediocre golf game and Auburn University football.
Professional Associations:
American Dental Association- Life Member, 5th District delegation member, and ADPAC Board member
Georgia Dental Association – Delegate to the HOD and past State Pac Chairman
Northern District Dental Society Past President
Hinman Dental Society – Executive Council member
Academy of General Dentistry
Georgia Academy of Dental Practice
Recognitions:
Georgia Dental Association Honorable Fellow
Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry
Fellow of the International College of Dentists
Fellow of the American College of Dentists
Fellow of the Pierre Fauchard Academy
The Cathedral of St. Philip/Habitat for Humanity Volunteer of the Year Award
Good Samaritan Health Clinic of Cobb County Volunteer of the Year Award
Presidential Commendation- Georgia Dental Association
Community Service:
The Cathedral of St. PhilipGood Samaritan Health Center of Cobb County 2002-2019
Habitat for Humanity
Greater Atlanta Dental Foundation
Georgia Mission of Mercy
THE MICHAEL RAINWATER DENTIST OF THE YEAR AWARD PAST RECIPIENTS
| 2022 - Robert J. O'Donnell 2021 - Tom Jagor 2020 - N/A 2019 - Roy McDonald 2018 - Donald Brown 2017 - Jeffrey A. Kendrick 2016 - Chris L. Adkins 2015 - Ben W. Jernigan, Jr 2014 - Carol M. Wolff 2013 - Douglas B. Torbush 2012 – L. Maxwell Ferguson 2011 - Jonathan S. Dubin 2010 - Bradley K. Greenway 2009 - James Granade, Jr. 2008 - Sidney R. Tourial 2007 - Richard A. Weinman 2006 - Lee B. Hawkins 2005 - Wayne E. Kerr 2004 - John F. MacNamara 2003 - Marie C. Schweinebraten 2002 - Michael T. Rainwater 2001 - Thomas H. Callahan 2000 - William F. Schroeder 1999 - Charles T. Ruhl 1998 - William B. Shropshire 1997 - David R. Graham 1996 - Suhayl Rafeedie |
1995 - Richard A. Smith 1994 - D. Ronald Weathers 1993 - Roy W. Adams 1992 - Eugene F. Willis, Jr. 1991 - J. David Allen 1990 - Theodore C. Levitas 1989 - William E. Harris 1988 - Donald E. Johnson 1987 - Harold Lanier 1986 - William L. Callahan, Jr. 1985 - Rollin E. Mallernee 1984 - Joseph W. Looper 1983 - R. Stan Hopkins 1982 - Emile T. Fisher 1981 - Marvin C. Goldstein 1980 - Marvin M. Sugarman 1979 - Jack D. Rousso 1978 - Wilmer B. Eames 1976 - James R. Sherard 1975 - Mary Lynn Morgan 1974 - Irving H. Goldstein 1973 - Charles H. Smith 1972 - Lee Malone 1971 - R. Arch McEwen |
