About the Doctors

Ralph L. Anderson, DDS, FACD

Dr. Ralph L. Anderson has been setting the highest standards in dental and orthodontic excellence in the Richmond, Virginia area for the past 32 years. He earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia State University and then entered the military. He became a 2nd Lieutenant in the 101st Airborne Division before transferring to the medical service corps. In 1966, he applied for and received a release from the military and enrolled in the Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry. Dr. Anderson obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from there in 1970. After graduating, he completed a U.S. Army Dental Internship at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. In 1975, Dr. Anderson graduated from the orthodontic program at MCV and went on to complete his orthodontic residency at MCV. He was the first African-American to complete MCV’s orthodontic residency program.

In his spare time away from the office, Dr. Anderson volunteers with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Alumni Star, Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry

Member of the following organizations:

  • American Association of Orthodontist
  • Southern Association of Orthodontist
  • Virginia Dental Association
  • Peter B. Ramsey Dental Society
  • Old Dominion Dental Society
  • Continental Orthodontic Study Club
  • Apollonia Dental Study Club
  • Tuesday Club

Ralph H.B. “Chip” Anderson, DDS, MS

Dr. Ralph H.B. “Chip” Anderson, better known to his patients as Dr. Chip, followed in his father’s footsteps, pursuing a career in orthodontics. He has been practicing for 12 years and started working with his father in 1997. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Hampton University and enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he became a Captain. While stationed in Ft. Ord, California, he decided to enroll at the Medical College of Virginia to become a dentist and continue the family practice. Dr. Chip earned his dental degree from MCV at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, and then completed his orthodontic residency at the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. Like his father, he also accomplished a ‘first.’ Dr. Chip was the first African-American to finish the orthodontic residency program at the University of Louisville. Dr. Chip is well-respected in the orthodontic community as he is board certified.

Away from the office, Dr. Chip enjoys football, golf, video games and volunteering with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and the Leukemia Society.

Member of the following organizations:

  • American Association of Orthodontist
  • Southern Association of Orthodontist
  • Virginia Dental Association
  • Peter B. Ramsey Dental Society
  • Metropolitan Academy of Dentistry
  • Old Dominion Dental Society
  • Continental Orthodontic Study Club
  • Apollonia Dental Study Club
  • Tuesday Club

Wakeshi L. Benson, DDS, FADI

Dr. Wakeshi Benson is a native of Battle Creek, Michigan. In junior high school, Dr. Benson had orthodontic treatment to straighten her teeth, and this experience gave her the passion to pursue a career in dentistry. Dr. Benson gained acceptance into Michigan State University and graduated Cum Laude. She then attended dental school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. While in dental school, Dr. Benson became involved in several outreach programs such as the Traverse City Migrant Worker Program, Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Future and the Marshall Becker Dental Clinic. Immediately following dental school, she became a general practice resident in dentistry at the John D. Dingell Veterans Administrations Medical Center. This experience allowed her to receive advanced training performing dentistry on medically-compromised patients in a hospital setting. After residency, Dr. Benson worked as a general dentist for five years in the metropolitan area of Detroit, Michigan. She completed her specialty residency in orthodontics at Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, D.C. During her orthodontic training she served as Chief Resident. In 2004, Dr. Benson became the youngest President of the Detroit District Dental Society, Central Branch.

Dr. Benson is married and has two children. She resides in the Richmond, Virginia area.

Awards and Recognitions:

  • Orthodontic Department Award, Howard University
  • Postdoctoral Research Award, Howard University
  • Postdoctoral Award in Biomechanics, Howard University
  • Detroit District Society 2005 New Dentist Award
  • Recent Alumni Award, Michigan State University College of Natural Science

Member of the following organizations:

  • American Association of Orthodontist
  • Southern Association of Orthodontist
  • American Dental Association
  • Virginia Dental Association
  • Richmond Dental Society
  • National Dental Association
  • Peter B. Ramsey Dental Society
  • Old Dominion Dental Society
  • Academy of General Dentistry
  • Academy of Dentistry International (Fellow)
  • Member, College of Diplomates of the American Board of Orthodontist