Meet
the team
Laura Benca
DDS
“My mom was my inspiration for exploring dentistry, and she and I have been practicing together in private practice since 2015. She encouraged me to explore as many facets of dentistry as possible and not just shadow her when I was deciding whether or not to apply to dental school. The main reason I decided to pursue dentistry was because Dentistry incorporates all areas of science, art, psychology, business, history, and philosophy. A deep understanding is necessary in all of these disciplines, and we strive to incorporate and expand our knowledge in all of these areas in our practice.”
Education
Dr. Laura earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Washington. After graduation, she went on to complete the Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program in Juneau, Alaska through the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARCH). Through this program she gained a solid foundation in all aspects of general dentistry and evidence based dentistry.
SEARCH is a non-profit tribal health consortium comprised of 18 Native associations that assist the health concerns of the Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, and other Native people of Southeast Alaska. They are one of the earliest and biggest Native-run health organizations in the nation.
Personal
She lives in North Bend with her husband. They enjoy hiking, paddle boarding, and camping. They also love to travel – their favorites so far include Iceland and New Zealand.
Memberships
She holds memberships in: Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Academy of Clear Aligners, and Spear Study Club.
Adam Gee
DDS
“My childhood best friend's father was one of our Boy Scout leaders and he also happened to be a dentist. I jumped at the chance to earn the Dentistry merit badge when he offered to help anyone in our troop interested in earning it. He taught me many things about how to effectively manage a dental office and most importantly to prioritize the patient’s wellbeing above all else. There were many wonderful qualities he exemplified that I work hard to emulate to this day.”
Education
Dr. Gee achieved undergraduate degrees in Spanish and Microbiology at the University of Washington. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Following graduation, he completed an optional General Practice Residency at the University of Minnesota to acquire advanced training in all aspects of general dentistry including oral surgery, endodontics, prosthodontics, and cosmetic dentistry in a hospital setting providing comprehensive dental care for medically compromised patients.
Personal
He loves to travel including hiking and backpacking in the beautiful pacific northwest, enjoying our great country's cultural offerings in the big cities, and experiencing the breathtaking nature and culture around the world. His favorite trips include backpacking in Norway and immersing himself in the cuisine and incredible culture of Japan.
Patricia Benca
dds, Practice Founder
Although she began in the field of oral medicine and oral pathology, Dr. Benca’s love for working with her hands and building relationships with people led her to dentistry. She has faithfully served patients for over three decades and loves being a part of her patient’s lives.
Volunteering
Dr. Benca volunteers at the Maasai Dental Clinic in southwestern Kenya. She is on the Executive Board of Directors of the World Health Dental Organization, who runs the Massai Clinic. She is intimately involved with the day-to-day operations of the clinic facility and its staff, as well as volunteering as a dentist on-site on a regular basis.
Personal
She enjoys close family ties and activities with her children and siblings. She is also fortunate to have her elderly parents nearby. Her hobbies include gardening and travel.
I was born and raised in Alaska where I developed a strong sense of community and a passion for helping others. I began my dental career in 2017, driven by a commitment to improving oral health and patient education. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage, where I built a solid foundation in preventive dentistry and patient care. I take pride in providing compassionate care and strive to create a comfortable, positive experience for every patient I serve.
With 30 years of experience, Jennifer considers it a true privilege to care for her patients’ smiles. She is dedicated to providing thorough, gentle care and deeply appreciates the trust her patients place in her. Now an empty nester after years of raising two daughters, Jennifer enjoys a quieter pace spent in her garden and tending to her backyard chickens. She truly values the opportunity to care for everyone who sits in her chair.
Amanda has been a practicing dental assistant since 2004. She is passionate about providing excellent patient care and helping patients feel comfortable and confident during their dental visits. Her gentle approach and attention to detail help create a positive experience for every patient. In her free time she and her husband enjoy coaching their children’s sports which include her daughter’s competitive cheer team and her twin boys’ football and soccer.
If you don’t find her assisting with the doctor, you’ll hear her laugh! Charlene (Char) has wanted to be in the dental field since she was in her pre-teen years. She has come full circle from being a patient of Dr. Patricia Benca to assisting for over 6 yrs at Benca & Gee Dental wellness. Char enjoys making her patients’ dental experience comfortable, memorable and great.
A 2016 University of Pittsburgh graduate, Hanna is a dedicated dental professional on a mission to redefine the patient experience. Understanding that the dentist's chair can be a source of anxiety, she focuses on creating a safe, welcoming environment where patients feel truly seen and heard. By blending clinical expertise with a lighthearted sense of humor, she strives for every visit to be as relaxing as it is effective. When she isn't transforming smiles, you can find her hiking local trails, and spending quality time with her husband, son, and cat.
Jaclyn is perhaps the first face you see when you arrive at Benca & Gee Dental Wellness. With over 5 years of experience in dentistry, she is here to help you with whatever questions or concerns you may have and help coordinate the care that you need. Prior to dentistry she spent time as an ASL interpreter. In her spare time likes to crochet and spend time with her husband.
Jas graduated as a dental hygienist in 2020 and has spent the years since helping patients find their best smiles. She understands that the dental chair isn’t everyone’s favorite place to be and she prides herself in creating a calm, easygoing, and judgement-free environment. Her goal is to make sure you leave your appointment feeling informed, refreshed, and maybe even a little excited about flossing. In her free time, you can usually find her with her nose in a good book or finding a new trail to explore with her husband and their dog, Tyson.
Samantha graduated from Renton Technical College in 2019 where she earned her Associates of Applied Science in Dental Assisting. She then took the Dental Assisting National Board exam (DANB) and became a Certified Dental Assistant. Samantha is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable and cared for during their dental visits. In her free time she enjoys playing tennis as well as singing and dancing.
Tionna is a dedicated dental assistant who graduated from Renton Technical College in 1998. With years of hands-on experience in dental care, she has developed strong skills in patient support, chairside assisting, and maintaining a comfortable environment for patients during dental procedures. Tionna is known for her attention to detail, compassionate approach, and commitment to helping patients feel at ease while receiving quality dental care. Her long-standing experience in the dental field reflects her passion for supporting dental teams and promoting positive oral health for every patient she serves. In her free time she enjoys traveling, attending local festivals and watching the latest movie.
Suzanne has been working with Dr. Patricia Benca since 1994. She treasures the connections that have developed between her and our patients and their families. When she’s not in the office, she loves spending ample quality time with her family, grandchildren and her two golden retrievers.
Leena is a passionate dental hygienist with over 35 years of experience. She is committed to staying current with the latest dental technology to provide the highest quality, gentle, and evidence-based care for her patients. Leena is active in her community, providing dental hygiene services to underserved populations and participating in school-based dental health programs. She is a member of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA), the Alliance of Dental Hygiene Practitioners (ADHP), the Washington State Dental Hygienists’ Association (WSDHA), and the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as cooking and gardening.
As our treatment coordinator, Jessica is dedicated to helping our patients navigate the often-confusing world of dental insurance. Jessica’s favorite part of this job is building relationships with patients that are also members of her own community and giving patients peace of mind so they can focus entirely on their health. Outside of the office, Jessica enjoys outdoor activities and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She is looking forward to meeting future patients and answering questions regarding your insurance benefits in order to obtain the smile you deserve.
“I have been going to Benca dentistry for many years. Over 15 years. They have such a great team. All are so kind and helpful. I hate going to the dentist, but they make it so much better. I Highly recommend Benca Dentistry.”
We Can't wait to meet you!
Call (206) 575-1173 or request an appointment online to set up your first visit. We’ll be in touch soon.
