Dr. Derek Benning DMD
General and Cosmetic Dentist in Litchfield Il
Dr. Derek Benning was born and raised in Collinsville, Illinois. He graduated from Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville and continued on to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for his undergraduate degree where he focused on Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Nutrition. He was then accepted directly into Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine in Alton Illinois.
During his time in dental school Dr. Benning was involved in volunteer work, research, and various organizations throughout the school. He researched the effects of Electronic Cigarettes on the mouth where he received first place in the Student Competition for Advancing Dental Research and its Applications (SCADA). During his time in dental school, he focused on restorative dentistry with an emphasis on digital dentistry. In his final year of dental school, he served as College Chapter President of the Xi Psi Phi, a prestigious dental fraternity. In 2022, he graduated as Cum Laude.
After graduating Dr. Benning split his time working between Litchfield Dental Professionals and Beltline Dental in Belleville Il. He began working full time at Litchfield Dental Professionals in early 2023.
Dr. Benning is a member of the American Dental Association, The Illinois State Dental society, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy, which focuses on recognizing and developing outstanding leadership in the profession of Dentistry
Dr. Benning is married to a fellow dentist Dr. Kaitlyn, who works in Belleville Illinois. He enjoys spending time outside of dentistry with his family and their Golden Retriever, Levi. They enjoy hiking, camping, and traveling together.