About Us
Dr. Geoffrey Utterback, father of Dr. Ben Utterback, began the roots of our current practice in the mid 1970s. After attending the University of Mount Union and Case Western Reserve University, he served as a dentist in the United States Navy. Dr. Geoff returned to his hometown of Alliance, Ohio in 1975 to begin the dental practice. A second office in Canton, Ohio was started in 1995 to better serve the practice’s patient population. Dr. John Beres joined the practice in 1993 and Dr. Ben Utterback joined in 2000. Our dentists are available at both locations.
Throughout the years the same principles have continued to be used that focus on giving each patient excellent, personalized care. We do this by presenting each patient with a comprehensive treatment plan using the latest procedure techniques and equipment.
We realize that previous dental experiences make people feel uneasy about going to a dental appointment. Our approach to this anxiety is to make every member of our team help make your experience one that is positive.
Meet Our Doctors
Benjamin Utterback, DDS
Ben grew up in North Canton and attended Hoover High School (1992). He then went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Mount Union (1996) and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry (2000). Dr. Utterback has also achieved the Diplomate status through the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine to help those patients with sleep disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea and snoring issues.
Dr. Ben Utterback is a member of the Stark County Dental Society, the Ohio Dental Association, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine. Dr. Utterback is a Diplomate with the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine. As a Diplomate, he has achieved the highest status among dentists who treat patients with sleep disordered breathing. He is active in the community as well. Dr. Utterback maintains a close relationship with Akron Children's Hospital and previously served on their Emerging Leaders Board. He also volunteers as a dentist for the University of Akron club hockey team. Dr. Utterback also gives a lecture to the MED 100 class at the University of Mount Union for each of the last 5 years. Lastly, he has volunteered for several committees involving the North Canton City Schools.
Ben enjoys traveling, yard work, and tending to his koi pond. Dr. Ben resides in North Canton with his wife, Torie, and two teenage daughters.
John M. Beres, DDS
Dr. John Beres joined the Utterback Dental Group in 1993. He currently practices at both locations. Dr. Beres graduated from The University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He then attended Case Western Reserve University and received his D.D.S. in 1981. Dr. Beres practiced in the North Canton area before joining the Utterback Dental Group.
Dr. Beres is a member of the ADA, ODA, and SCDS. Dr. Beres currently serves on the peer review committee of the Stark County Dental Society.
Patrick Keenan, DDS
Dr. Keenan grew up in North Canton. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Akron in 2017 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University in 2022. He completed a one year General Practice Residency at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Youngstown.
In his spare time, Dr. Keenan enjoys hiking, cooking, partner dancing, exercising, and playing competitive chess.
Dr. Keenan is a member of the American Dental Association and the Ohio Dental Association.
Dr. Justin Modugno
Dr. Justin Modugno grew up in North Canton, Ohio and attended Hoover High School (2007) where he met his wife, Kelsey. He attended The Ohio State University for both his Bachelor of Science in Biology (2011) and Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (2015). He completed a one year General Practice Residency at Mercy Hospital in 2016. He then served as the dentist for St. Paul’s Square Community Health Clinic and a faculty member of the Mercy Hospital dental residency program for seven years.
Dr. Modugno is a member of the Stark County Dental Society, The Ohio Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. He serves on the Dental Public Health and Access Council for the SCDS.
Justin enjoys photography, reading, and going on adventures with his young children in his down time.
Meet Our Staff
Alliance Office
Marne - Admin Assistant
Jen - Dental Hygienist
Molly - Dental Hygienist
Amanda - Dental Hygienist
Lana - Dental Assistant
Latavia - Dental Assistant
Kiersten - Dental Assistant
Bria - Dental Assistant
Emma - Dental Assistant
Canton Office
Janelle - Sleep Coordinator, Admin Assistant
Jen - Admin Assistant
Ashley - Dental Hygienist
Amanda - Dental Hygienist
Lana - Dental Assistant
Kiersten - Dental Assistant
Bria - Dental Assistant
Riley - Dental Assistant