MI Smiles Dental Ionia

Bios

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  Dr. Brian Yared

  Dentist

  Raised in Forest Hills, he is a long time resident of West Michigan. While attending Lyman Briggs Residential College at Michigan State University, he earned his Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology. Dr. Yared received his doctorate from the University of Michigan Dental School in 2003, all the while maintaining his Spartan allegiance. We asked Dr. Yared a few questions so you can get to know him a little better! What led you to seek a career in dentistry? “It really comes down to my passion for helping others and building relationships with the community, which dentistry allows me to do! I just really love the personal interaction, the individuality of each patient, and the progressive science of my chosen profession.” What are some of your achievements in dentistry? “I have been thankful to have been awarded Top Dentist In Grand Rapids by GR Magazine for multiple years in a row, as well as being an Invisalign Platinum Provider.” What is your favorite part about working with patients? “For me it’s definitely making my patients feel comfortable with the power of laughter! I find humor is a great way to break the ice, get to know my patients, and help change their view of dentistry.” If you could have one person narrate your life, who would you want it to be and why? “James Earl Jones. Why, you ask? Because it’s James Earl Jones!” What is your favorite dental treatment to do? “I absolutely love providing my patients with Invisalign treatment, it is truly life changing and I am just lucky to have a front row seat. There is nothing better than seeing the smiles of joy and confidence after treatment!” What are your top 3 favorite musicians? “Jim Morrison, Richard Wagner, and Layne Staley” What are your 3 favorite movies? “Godfather, Goodfellas, and Midnight Run” What is your favorite movie quote? “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” – Godfather What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? “I am going to have to go with Napa Valley.”

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  Link: Dr. Brian Yared

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  Dr. Joshua Peiffer

  Dentist

  Dr. Peiffer was born and raised in Traverse City, Michigan, and attended Michigan State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. Dr. Peiffer earned his DDS from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. We asked Dr. Peiffer a few questions so you can get to know him a little better! What led you to seek a career in dentistry? “I have a passion for helping others gain better overall and oral health, as well as a love for meeting people of all different walks of life!” What is your favorite part about working with patients? “I absolutely love helping others maintain and improve their health. Along with this, I find it so rewarding seeing how dentistry can truly change the lives of each and every one of my amazing patients!” If you could be an Olympic athlete, in what sport would you compete? “Golf or Hockey” What is your favorite dental treatment to do? “Dental Implants definitely takes the cake for me. There is simply no better treatment for tooth replacement options than dental implants. There is nothing like seeing the joy in my patient’s new smile after treatment!” What are your top 3 favorite musicians? “G Love and Special Sauce, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Aerosmith.” What are your 3 favorite movies? “Happy Gilmore, Slapshot, and Marvel Movies” What do you like to do on a rainy day? “Doing stuff with my kids, whether it is building with legos or playing some games.”

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  Link: Dr. Joshua Peiffer

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  Dr. Jeremy Schell

  Dentist

  Dr. Schell was raised in Traverse City, MI. He attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and completed a residency program with the VA. We asked Dr. Schell a few questions so you can get to know him a little better! What led you to seek a career in dentistry? “My draw to dentistry was rooted in helping people achieve happier and healthier lives with a confident smile. I also love working with my hands and building patient-doctor relationships that last a lifetime!” What are some of your achievements in dentistry? “I have been thankful to have been awarded Top Dentist In Grand Rapids by GR Magazine for multiple years in a row, as well as being an Invisalign Platinum Provider.” What is your favorite part about working with patients? “I just love building long lasting relationships with my patients. My philosophy revolves around evaluating my patient as an individual and working to increase their oral health while helping them achieve a bright and beautiful smile.” What is a personal achievement of yours? “I would have to say being a father of two children, Hunter and Mila, and watching them grow!” What is your favorite dental treatment to do? “For sure Invisalign treatment, seeing patients journey with this treatment is such a treat. The end result is always met with a glowing and joyful smile and I am just blessed to be able to be a part of it.” What volunteer work have you been a part of? “Hudsonville Little League Coach, AYSO Soccer Coach, and Special Needs Soccer Coach (yes I like sports!)” Did you ever study under a well known individual in dentistry? “Dennis Fasbinder, DDS, MAGD, ABGD studying the use of technology in dentistry.” What do you like to do in your free time? “In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, hunting, boating, golfing, and watching sports, especially University of Michigan and Detroit sports!”

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  Link: Dr. Jeremy Schell

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  Dr. Benjamin Schell

  Dentist

  He was born and raised in Traverse City, MI and received an undergraduate degree in neuroscience from the University of Michigan. Dr. Ben continued his education in dentistry by attending and graduating from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. We asked Dr. Ben a few questions so you can get to know him a little better! What led you to seek a career in dentistry? “I have always had an interest in the health field growing up. That interest and my desire to serve those around me made it a straightforward decision. Dentistry has a perfect balance between service and getting patients to not only stable oral health but also systemic health. Educating patients on oral and systemic health is a key aspect of dentistry that I enjoy.” What is an achievement of yours in dentistry? “OKU (omicron kappa upsilon) – Dental honor society (top 10% of class with faculty support).” What is your favorite part about working with patients? “Getting to know and understand them as people as well as work with them to solve issues to create a better quality of life!” If you could have one person narrate your life, who would you want it to be and why? “Neil deGrasse Tyson – for obvious vocal reasons!” What is your favorite dental treatment to do? “I am going to have to go with either Root Canals or Crowns!” What do you like to do on a rainy day? “Either read a book or watch a good TV show.” What are your top 3 favorite musicians? “Alt-J, Foo Fighters and Seven Lions.” What are your 3 favorite movies? “Lord of the Rings (series), Blade Runner (original), Star Wars (4-6)” What is your favorite movie quote? “Do or do not, there is no try” – Yoda What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? “Greek Islands”

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  Link: Dr. Benjamin Schell

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  Dr. Christopher Powell

  Pediatric Dentist

  Dr. Chris grew up in Ada, MI. He received his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University, completed his doctorate at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and finished his residency at New York University. We asked Dr. Powell a few questions so you can get to know him a little better! What led you to seek a career in Pediatric Dentistry? “I always enjoyed working with my hands and wanted a career where I would be able to know I was helping people. This led me to an interest in dentistry. When I started dental school, the idea of working with kids seemed terrifying, but then I discovered how rewarding it is to help a nervous child become comfortable at the dentist and I never looked back.” What are some achievements that you have gained in regards to dentistry? “I am a board-certified pediatric dentist and Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. I served as the legislative director for the University of Michigan chapter of the American Student Dental Association, helping to lobby for oral health policy at the state and federal level.” What volunteer work have you been a part of in the past? “In college, I volunteered to teach science to elementary school children in low-income areas of Grand Rapids. In dental school, I worked with Special Olympics Special Smiles providing free oral health screenings and oral hygiene instruction to Special Olympics athletes. In residency, I went on a trip to provide free dental work to children in rural Maine who did not have adequate access to care.” What are some of your interests outside of dentistry? “I love dogs and have a puppy going through the therapy dog certification process, our hope is that she will be able to visit children’s hospitals and make kids’ lives a little easier. In 2014 I climbed an ice wall on a glacier in Iceland. I also have a wonderful family.”

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  Link: Dr. Christopher Powell

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  Dr. Thomas Greidanus

  Dentist

  Dr. Greidanus grew up right here in Grand Rapids. He completed his undergraduate degree in biology at Calvin College. He went on to complete his doctorate at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. We asked Dr. Greidanus a few questions so you can get to know him a little better! What led you to seek a career in dentistry? “I would point to my own personal dental pain as a child and friends who could not afford the dentistry that they needed. I was driven by the large disparity in the number of dentists compared to the number of people in need. At the end of the day, I have always just wanted to serve my community and my passion for dentistry lets me do just that! I also grew up fascinated with science and working with my hands, which also fit perfectly into my dream profession of being a dentist!” What are some of your personal achievements? “Outstanding Delta Sig Award, Dean’s Scholar, Masons of Michigan Leadership Award, National IOOF Leadership and Service Award, Community of Hope Medical Scholarship, Henrik Zetterberg Hockey Award for Outstanding Student and Community Contributor, Eagle Scout Award, 2015 Rock Climbing Championship, Grand Rapids Foundation Community Service Scholarship, South Minneapolis Voluntary Covid Prevention and Medical Response Team Leader Summer 2020” What volunteer work have you been a part of? “I have a big passion for helping my community whenever I get the chance. I have actively volunteered in Hope Dental Clinic, Give Kids a Smile, Degage, Exalta Health, God’s Kitchen, Mel Trotter, Second Harvest Gleaners, Habitat for Humanity, EMAS Ecuador, Community of Hope Ethiopia, CRC World Missions, Dental House Community Service Coordinator, Community Youth Leader, and Plaster Creek Stewards.” What other awesome and interesting things could you share about yourself? “I would say I am a mixed bag of things… I have dual Canadian/American citizenship. I am an avid rock climber. In my spare time you may find me in the shop wearing my craftsman hat, making, refurbishing, or fixing something with carpentry or metal work. At a wedding you won’t find me at a table, but rather on the dance floor. I also have a strong passion for coaching and playing the sport of hockey!” What is your favorite part about working with patients? “I would definitely say helping them maintain the function they need to smile confidently, eat normally, and live without dental pain!” How do you treat yourself after a long day of work? “For sure a good workout and a BIG dinner!” What is your favorite dental treatment to do? “I have always loved Endodontics.” What are your 3 favorite movies? “Waking Ned Devine, Lord of the Rings Two Towers (extended version of course), and Just Mercy” What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? “Bryce National Park in Utah especially at night in the moonlight!”

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  Link: Dr. Thomas Greidanus

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  Dr. Swetha Madala

  Dentist

  Dr. Madala grew up in Naperville, IL. She received her undergraduate degree from Benedictine University and completed her doctorate at the University of Illinois at Chicago. We asked Dr. Madala a few questions so you can get to know her a little better! What led you to seek a career in dentistry? “I had the pleasure of shadowing a local dentist back in high school and instantly fell in love with it! Ever since then I knew what I wanted to do with my life.” Please list some achievements you have made during your career in dentistry: “I consider myself lucky to have had opportunities to work with all patient populations including children, special needs, nursing home patients, and women in shelters through my General Practice Residency at the hospital.” Please list some personal achievements: “I am the very proud mother of two beautiful children!” What volunteer work have you been a part of in the past? “I love volunteering my expertise, especially providing dental services to people who can’t financially afford the care that they deserve.” What is your favorite part about working with our patients? “Educating patients about oral health care. I enjoy when patients are a part of the treatment planning process and they understand the equal role they play in determining the direction of their treatment.” Who are your favorite musicians? “John Mayer and Ed Sheeran” What is your favorite office technology to use? “Intra oral camera” If you could have someone narrate your life, who would you want it to be and why? “Tom Hanks” Do you have any exciting plans or any bucket list items you want to check off this year? “Dream of a trip to Europe” What is your favorite type of treatment to do? “Crown/bridge” What are your favorite Movies? “Avengers and Spiderman” What is your favorite movie quote? “’There’s no place like home’ from Wizard of Oz” If you could be an Olympic athlete, in what sport would you compete? “Basketball”

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  Link: Dr. Swetha Madala

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  Dr. Scott Knurek

  Dentist

  Dr. Knurek grew up in South Lyon, MI. He completed his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science and Community Health at Central Michigan University. He went on to complete his doctorate at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. He now lives in Grand Rapids, MI. We asked Dr. Knurek a few questions so you can get to know him a little better! What led you to seek a career in dentistry? Since I can remember I have always loved the sciences and understanding how/why things work. I also have a passion for working with my hands and the dental field allowed me to do just that! What memberships are you currently involved in? I am a member of the American Dental Association, Michigan Dental Association, and the Chicago Dental Society. How have you improved your expertise in dentistry? I am passionate about continual education and keeping up with the trends in dentistry. I am a learner at heart and am always looking for ways to improve my craft to provide the best dental care I can for the patients I love! What other awesome and interesting things could you share about yourself? If I am not in the office you can find me in one of two places… first being on the golf course. There is nothing like getting out in the sun and playing a round or two! The second place you can find me would be in the kitchen. I often find myself researching new recipes to try and to improve my cooking. If I am not on the links or the kitchen, you will probably find me outside exploring all that West Michigan has to offer!

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  Link: Dr. Scott Knurek