Unified Smiles aims to support independent dental practices
Dr. Walter Knysz, Jr., has launched Unified Smiles, LLC, to support independent dental practices by offering a portfolio of services ranging from savings on products and services to seminars and networking opportunities. Through Unified Smiles, independent dental practitioners will benefit from the influence of the group in order to effectively negotiate with suppliers and vendors for best quality products and services on terms, pricing and packages which would otherwise not be available to them.
“The heart of this venture is to truly support the enhancement and continued growth of independent dentists,” said Knysz. “The Unified Smiles team has the competitive edge of experience and market expertise in the complicated field of dental practice operations.”
Through Unified Smiles, dental offices will experience significant savings on products, supplies and services including dental and office equipment, lab services and fees, uniforms, insurance, credit card processing fees and financing. Unified Smiles will also offer continuing education programs, seminars, networking opportunities, best practice strategies, training on new vendor programs, and sales and marketing tools. Launching in Michigan, Unified Smiles will expand across the country later this year.
Leading the recruitment effort for Unified Smiles is Dr. H. Robert Steiman, chief dental officer (CDO). Steiman previously served as dean of the School of Dentistry at the University of Detroit Mercy where he guided the university through strategic planning, a successful accreditation review, and the move to its current location. In 2008, the university named Steiman Dean Emeritus, School of Dentistry. He is only the second dean of the School of Dentistry to be honored with this title.
“I was motivated to be a part of Unified Smiles because I share the team’s vision to support the growth of independent dentists and to allow them to retain their dental autonomy,” said Steiman. “The strength and determination of this company is rooted in our past success in the dental profession with a focus on quality, knowledge, high standards and innovation.”
As CEO, Knysz develops the strategy for business expansion and company productivity and leads the Unified Smiles executive team which, in addition to Steiman, includes:
* Guy Flannery, chief financial officer, who is responsible for growth management, policy development, contract negotiations and strategic planning
* Dr. Walter Knysz, III, executive vice president of development and research, who provides strategic planning and serves as a customer relations liaison for participating independent dental practices and potential members;
Dr. Knysz has long been involved in dentistry and dental management. In 1982, he founded Michigan-based Great Expressions Dental Centers (GEDC), a dental practice management company that grew to over 150 owned dental offices in seven states across the Midwest, South and Northeast. In 2011, Dr. Knysz sold his remaining interest in GEDC.
He also founded MIDA Dental Plans in 1982, which was one of the largest privately held international providers of managed dental care based in the United States. The business focused on providing high-quality general dental and specialty services to individuals, businesses and unions in a managed care environment. Recognized as a large provider of managed dental care in the United States, MIDA was acquired by Blue Shield of Pennsylvania in 1996.
Unified Smiles, LLC supports the growth of independent dentists by providing competitive purchasing power, continuing education, marketing tools and networking. Unified Smiles is a Michigan-based company located at 300 East Long Lake Road, Suite 145, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. For more information call (248) 633-2460.
