Great Expressions Dental Centers Acquires Smilecare Dental Associates in Jacksonville, FL

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich., Dec. 29, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Expressions Dental Centers has completed the acquisition of Smilecare Dental Associates, located in Jacksonville, Florida.  Smilecare operates 14 dental practices throughout Jacksonville providing general and specialty services including endodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics.  Smilecare employs 23 general and specialist doctors and 110 team members.  

The addition of the Smilecare practices to the Great Expressions' family of dental practices makes Great Expressions a dominant provider of dental services in the Jacksonville market, now with 16 convenient offices and 18 practices representing general dental practice and all dental specialties. The combined Florida network of 77 affiliated practices makes Great Expressions the largest provider of dental care in the state.

Richard Beckman, Chief Executive Officer of Great Expressions, said, "Since being founded in 1982 by Drs. Kelley and Woodward , Smilecare's mission has been putting Jacksonville patients' well-being above all else by providing quality dentistry unequaled in the community.  Both our companies focus on providing excellent dental care to our patients with practice cultures that empower and support the dental professionals.  We are excited to increase our presence in Jacksonville with this addition of one of the market's largest dental providers and look forward to working with Dr. Woodward, as a Regional Vice President, and the rest of the Smilecare team to rapidly integrate the companies. Going forward, we will continue building the business through strategic acquisitions and organic growth to further fill our footprint in the Southeastern United States."

Dr. Woodward commented, "We are thrilled to affiliate with Great Expressions.  Watching Great Expressions build its network and strengthen its model throughout Florida in recent years solidified our desire to join them and become the anchor of the Jacksonville market.  Great Expressions is known in the industry for its gold-standard of patient care and attracting dental professionals with the highest regard for patient treatment.  Great Expressions' operational expertise and practice support will be a tremendous resource to our busy dental staffs."  

In recent years Great Expressions has expanded aggressively through acquisition.  In 2010 alone, Great Expressions has acquired 39 dental practices.  Since its acquisition by Audax Group in May 2008, Great Expressions has acquired 96 practices through 8 separate transactions.  Inc. Magazine has named Great Expressions to its list of the 5,000 fastest growing companies in America each of the last two years.  

Great Expressions Dental Centers is one of the leading, privately-owned dental practice management companies in the United States with 181 affiliated dental practices in seven states. GEDC professionals have been exceeding patients' expectations for over 35 years and provide a full range of dental services including specialty dental care. For more information on Great Expressions Dental Centers call (888) SMILE-80 or visit online at www.greatexpressions.com.

SOURCE Great Expressions Dental Centers