Today we’d like to introduce you to Elaine Benke.
Hi Elaine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started my dental career by working with my dad in the suburbs. It was a great learning experience and I’m grateful for the mentorship that he provided, but my heart was pulling me out of the suburbs and back to Minneapolis. I reached out to my classmate Dr. Shantell Heins, who was in a similar position, and we decided to start our dental practice in July of 2024. We both care deeply about providing a welcoming dental environment for all, especially folks who may have previous traumatic experience at the dentist. I love being a member of the Minneapolis community, and it means a lot that I am able to serve people where I live.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Despite there being handbooks on how to start a dental office, there is not one for a post-COVID world! What may have been a reasonable price for goods in 2016 is simply not the reality today. I needed to parse through what actually consisted of good advice versus advice that was good and relevant a decade ago. To be honest, it took a while to break even, and it was difficult to see our growing practice juxtaposed with the amount of money we need to spend each month to pay our bills and pay our employees. Thankfully, we are now in a stable position where we are able to begin thinking about expanding our capabilities.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about NE 1 Dental?
NE 1 Dental is a general dental office that works to serve our surrounding community. We are focused on providing excellent and compassionate care to all, especially those who have experienced barriers to seeking dental care due to the fear that they would be treated unjustly. We foster a caring, inclusive environment that welcomes everyone, including the BIPOC and LGBTQ+ members of our community. We have experienced firsthand the systems that discourage marginalized people from seeking necessary care, and we understand how beneficial it can be to receive dental care from someone who has lived experiences similar to your own.
My proudest moments come from seeing folks who haven’t been to the dentist in years and providing them a safe place to experience dental care again. Nothing feels better than someone telling me that they are no longer afraid of the dentist.
We have a wide range of offerings, from dental implants and extractions to veneers and Botox. We accept most employer-based dental insurances and offer financing for people who may not be able to afford care.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I am proud to live and work in Minneapolis. Nothing matters more to me professionally than being a part of this city and participating in its growth. My husband and I love living here, as do our cats.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ne1dental.com
- Instagram: ne1dental
- Other: tiktok: ne1dental
