Each year Benco Dental’s Lucy Hobbs Project recognizes women in dentistry for excellence in six categories. Each award winner demonstrates innumerable qualities of the project’s namesake, Dr. Lucy Hobbs Taylor, who earned her dental degree in 1866, advancing equality for her gender.
Lucy Hobbs defied nearly a decade of resistance, leading with clinical proficiency and innovative thinking; then she mentored others to do the same. Benco Dental’s Lucy Hobbs Project Awards honor women in dentistry who personify that same spirit.
“The six award recipients illustrate the extent to which one person can affect change. What better way to celebrate their contributions to the profession of dentistry than by sharing their success stories to inspire others on the same path. Through its Lucy Hobbs Project, Benco Dental recognizes the diverse perspectives that it takes to drive dentistry forward,” said Donna Shrader, creative design manager.
The six Lucy Hobbs Project Award recipients for 2021 inspire compassion, create opportunities, unite others to do good, commit to improving lives, encourage collaboration and promote cultural competency. Their stories will be featured in the winter edition of Incisal Edge magazine. They are:
Carole Ann Boyd, DDS, recipient of the Industry Icon award.
Kajuana Farrey Sutton, DMD, recipient of the Clinical Expertise Award.
Meenal Patel, DMD, FAGD, FICOI, recipient of the Humanitarian Award.
Brenda L. Hansen, recipient of the Innovator Award.
Mary Kang, DDS, recipient of the Mentor Award.
Jessica Sliger, DDS, recipient of the Woman to Watch Award.
The 2021 Lucy Hobbs Project honorees are: Carole Ann Boyd, DDS, Industry Icon Award; Kajuana Farrey Sutton, DMD, Clinical Expert Award; Meenal Patel, DMD, FAGD, FICOI, Humanitarian Award; Brenda L. Hansen, Innovator Award; Mary Kang, DDS, Mentor Award; and Jessica Sliger, DDS, Woman to Watch Award. (Photos: Provided by Benco Dental)
Powered by Benco Dental and 10,000 members strong, The Lucy Hobbs Project encourages dental professionals to unite as a force for change through networking, innovation and giving back. Free to join, the project includes women from all facets of the profession — including dentists, dental assistants, hygienists, receptionists and sales representatives. More information and membership details are available at www.thelucyhobbsproject.com.
Larry Cohen graduated from Wilkes College with a B.S. in Accounting in 1957 and Columbia University Graduate School of Business, earning an M.S. in Management and Finance, 1958. He served in the U. S. Army Reserve from 1958 through 1964.
He is the second-generation owner of Benco Dental Company, which was founded by his father, Benjamin Cohen in 1930.
Joining Benco Dental in 1959 as manager of the Tooth Department, in 1960, Larry became an outside sales rep, a position he enjoyed full time until 1972. Beginning that year, Larry began reducing his outside sales role and increasing his managerial duties, later becoming the president of Benco Dental from 1965 – 1996.
Larry is the Founder of the American Dental Cooperative; Board, American Dental Trade Associate, plus Various ADTA committees. He sits on the Board of Wilkes University, Board of Visiting Nurses Association and the Board of Jewish Community Center.
