Meet The Doctors
PETER J. BENISCH, D.M.D., F.A.G.D.
“Being able to provide the highest quality dental care to families in and around this community is a dream come true.” Dr. Peter Benisch
Dr. Benisch has a strong commitment to quality dentistry, which is demonstrated by his membership in the American Dental Association, Essex County Dental Association and The American Academy of General Dentistry, where he received his Fellowship Award in 2009. He has also been recognized by New Jersey Monthly Magazine as one of the “The Top Dentists” as well as Americas “Top Dentist”.
Dr. Benisch was born and raised in Millburn, New Jersey and after graduating from high school he attended Northwestern University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree. After obtaining his DMD degree from The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey he extended his dental education with a General Practice Residency at JFK Medical Center.
He and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Short Hills where they are kept very busy with three little girls and their many activities. When Dr. Benisch is not at the office or with his family, he can be found fishing along the various lakes of New Jersey.
FRIEDA L. MAX D.M.D., F.A.G.D.
Dr. Max is committed to providing the best quality of dental care in the most comfortable surroundings. Dr. Max grew up in Short Hills graduating Millburn High School. She received her B.A. degree from Rollins College. After graduating from New Jersey Dental School in the top 10% of her class she went on to complete her Residency Program at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. She then completed her Fellowship degree with the Academy of General Dentistry. Her passion for cosmetic dentistry has led her to train with some of the most recognized cosmetic dentists ; Dr. David Hornbrook, Dr. Bill Dorfman and Dr. Frank Spear to name a few .
When Dr. Max is not in the office she can be found at the beach relaxing, trying new recipes and chasing down tennis balls.
JEFFREY HANKINSON, D.M.D.
Dr. Hankinson has been practicing dentistry since 1981. He grew up locally in New Providence and became interested in dentistry as a young patient.
College studies were at Gettysburg College while Dental School was at the University of Pennsylvania. Following graduation from Dental School, Dr. Hankinson accepted a commission in the U.S. Navy and served for three years at Great Lakes Naval Base just north of Chicago, Illinois. He returned to New Jersey and assumed the practice of his family dentist, Dr. James Cochrane before joining Dental Group of Millburn in 2018.
Dr. Hankinson is also an attending dentist at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ where he serves as a clinical instructor for dental residents. He has received the Residents’ House Teaching Award for his work in mentoring dental residents. Dr. Hankinson has also been recognized by New Jersey Monthly Magazine as one of the “The Top Dentists.”
He lives locally in Summit with his wife of 30+ years, Mary Therese. His daughter Elizabeth is a Physician Assistant and his son Stephen is an M.D. practicing in Baltimore.
Hobbies include hiking, bicycling and gardening. Additionally he enjoys working with natural stone, creating sculptures and outdoor art for both house and garden. An avid outdoor enthusiast, he has been instrumental building and maintaining hiking trails in both Summit and New Providence.
Richard C. Schonberg, D.M.D., F.A.G.D.
Dr. Richard C. Schonberg is a graduate of Allegheny College (1976) and received his D.M.D. degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (1982). He was a charter member of the New Jersey chapter of the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Schonberg has won:
* Psi Omega Fraternal Achievement Award
* Overlook Hospital’s Distinguished Teaching Award
* Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry
Dr. Schonberg was also a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Medicine and Dentistry. Dr. Schonberg has won numerous awards from peers and patients, including most recently, the Patient's Choice Award, Top Dentists in Millburn-Short Hills, Top Dentist, and NJ Top Dentists in the Winter Edition of Healthy Living. He is currently Treasurer of the Essex County Dental Society.
In addition to an active career in dentistry, Dr. Schonberg is a Fractal graphic artist and awardwinning photographer. Dr. Schonberg is also a Civil War and World War II history enthusiast. He is presently President of the World War II Book Club of New Jersey. He is married to Michelle Schonberg and has three sons. Visit Dr. Schonberg's photographic gallery at: Photography by Richard Schonberg.
RECENT HONORS:
*2018: TOP DENTISTS and MILLBURN/SHORT HILLS TOP DENTIST.
*2019: MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE’S TOP DENTISTS AND MORRIS/ESSEX HEALTH & LIFE TOP DENTIST.
*2020: MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE’S TOP DENTISTS AND MORRIS/ESSEX HEALTH & LIFE TOP DENTIST.
*2021 MILLBURN-SHORT HILLS MAGAZINE’S TOP DENTISTS