Practice History

Our practice was founded in 1947 by Dr. Mahlon Leiphart.  He was a solo practicioner on the second floor of a building on West King Street for many years prior to the practice moving to its current location in the early 1960’s.  It was around that time that  Dr. Gary Hess joined the practice.  Dr. Bronley Walker and Jeffrey Puglese followed in the early seventies and eighties, respectively,  and the four dentists practiced together until Dr. Leiphart’s retirement in 1991.  Dr. Paul Kruth joined the practice in 1997, and around the time of Dr. Hess’s retirement, Dr. Joyce Kasunich found her way to York, having grown up in Pittsburgh, and began with the practice in 2001.  Dr. Charles Hertz joined the 1447 family in the summer of 2017, staying close to where he grew up in York County.  Dr. Jake Miller is the most recent addition to the office having begun his professional journey in the summer of 2021, shortly after Dr. Kasunich’s retirement.

The practice has always been focused on the patient first, building relationships that, in some cases, have spanned multiple generations.  Our doctors have pursued continuing education at a level higher than the average general dentist, and new technology and procedures have both been important aspects in the growth of the practice.

At 1447 Dental Associates, you will find a caring group of dentists, clinical staff, and front desk receptionists that are dedicated to providing  you a great dental experience.