PITTSTON TWP. — Benjamin Cohen founded Benco Dental in 1930 when he was just 26 years old in the Miners Bank building in Wilkes-Barre, after several years of peddling dental supplies throughout New York and Pennsylvania.
Today, the business’ main office in Pittston Township is about seven miles from its original site.
Sharing his father’s passion for dentistry, Larry Cohen grew the business into the Mid-Atlantic leading distributor, with the mission now being passed on to his sons, Chuck and Rich.
And, although much of what the Cohens have accomplished is in regard to provision of state-of-the-art equipment and services to dentists around the country, the key to their success, they say, is putting customers first and serving the community.
In 1968, for example, the company was the first to hire an equipment specialist to help dentists navigate the complexities of a new office.
In 1978, the company was the first to hire a professional dental space planner.
In 1988, Benco was the first company to allow its customers to order via fax, evolving into an e-ordering system that facilitates online orders for its customers.
In 2003, the company implemented a system to monitor and report customer satisfaction.
In 2011, with the opening of a fifth distribution center, Benco took its company coast to coast.
“Our firsts have made a difference for dentists, team members, laboratory technicians and patients,” the company’s website proclaims.
Although Benco has continued to grow for eight decades, it has not been without challenge.
In 1972, after the business was flooded during Hurricane Agnes, Larry Cohen re-opened the business, even though it was not insured.
Benco’s statistics reflect its commitment to customers and continuing success.
Each year, the business answers over 700,000 customer service calls, processes 1 million orders, answers 110,000 service calls with members of its leadership visiting 1,200 customer offices.
In addition to providing quality products and services and remaining profitable in the long term, the business also sets its sights on being an integral part of the community.
“We actively look for ways to improve the communities in which Benco does business. You can find our associates participating in charitable walks, volunteering in classrooms and helping to build homes. We also donate five percent of our profits to charity,” the business’ website reads.
The company is also associated with the Benco Family Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the dental health and quality of life in local and global communities.
Annually, the foundation supports over 100 charities and donates 150,000 toothbrushes to children and families.