Meet Our Dentists

Kathy Sanders, DMD, FAACD

Dr. Kathy Sanders is the founder and owner of Tri Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, where she has been creating beautiful, confident smiles since opening the practice in March of 1992. A native of a farm near Savannah, Georgia, Dr. Sanders earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Georgia Southern University before attending the Dental College of Georgia, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). By accelerating her undergraduate coursework, she became a licensed dentist by the age of 24.

Inspired by a desire to help people feel proud of their smiles, Dr. Sanders originally considered orthodontics before discovering her passion for restorative and cosmetic dentistry. She finds true joy in witnessing the transformation of her patients’ confidence—especially when they see their new smile for the first time. A defining moment in her career was restoring her own mother’s smile while still in dental school—an experience that affirmed her calling to the profession.

Dr. Sanders is a proud member of her local and state dental associations, as well as the American Dental Association. She has been a devoted member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) since 1998 and achieved Accreditation in 2006 through the organization’s rigorous evaluation process. In 2019, she reached the prestigious status of Fellow with the AACD by submitting 50 near-perfect cosmetic cases, becoming the first dentist in Tennessee to receive this honor.

Outside the office, Dr. Sanders continues to pursue her love of dentistry by attending educational presentations—often with her daughter, Dr. Lovett. She also enjoys traveling, with St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands being a favorite retreat for snorkeling and relaxation. At home, she tends to her plants with care and finds her greatest joy in spending time with her new granddaughter. Passionate, accomplished, and dedicated to both her craft and her family, Dr. Sanders brings warmth, skill, and experience to every patient she serves.

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Dr. Sanders is a native of Savannah, Georgia, and a graduate of Georgia Southern University Statesboro. She received her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta.

Her dedication to the continual refinement of her cosmetic dentistry skills has inspired her to pursue extensive continuing education and advanced practicum experience presented by some of the world’s most talented cosmetic dentists (1998 PAC-Live graduate, Anterior Aesthetics Program, University of the Pacific, San Francisco, Calif.; hands-on training with Dr. Frank Spear, The Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education, Facially Generated Treatment Planning-February 2004, Occlusion in Clinical Practice-August 2004, Advanced Occlusion in Clinical Practice-Oct. 2005; Peer Practicum Implant Studies, Implant Dentistry; 2009 Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education with Dr. Frank Spear; 2011 Carlsbad, CA Zimmer Institute) Member of the Dawson Academy, and a Qualified Dentist with the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine 2018.

Due to Dr. Sanders’s continuing education fervor, she has been recognized every year since 1999 by the Tennessee Dental Association ACE Certificate of Recognition program for completing more than 80 hours of continuing education in a two-year period (1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004, 2005-2006, 2007-2008; 2009-2010, 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2015-2016, 2016-2018, 2019-2020).

Practicing in the Tri-Cities since 1991, Dr. Sanders is a member of the FAACD, the Tennessee Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the American Dental Association (Tennessee Dental Society, First District Dental Society). She is also a recipient of the Business Journal’s “Forty under 40” recognition.

Dr. Sanders also works with a local shelter for domestic violence victims. She participates with the Tennessee Chapter of the FAACD in the Give Back a Smile program—a coordinated effort designed to provide cosmetic dental care to victims of domestic violence. In 2015, Dr. Sanders was awarded the Milligan College Leaders in Christian Service award.

Dr. Sanders and her husband Brian most enjoy spending time together with their two adult children, Erika and Michael. She also enjoys reading, snorkeling, and traveling in her spare time.

Erika Lovett, DMD

Dr. Erika Lovett is an Associate Dentist at Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, where she blends clinical precision with a passion for patient connection and whole-body wellness.

Born and raised in Kingsport, Tennessee, Dr. Lovett returned to her hometown after completing her extensive academic journey. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences with an honors concentration in Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology, along with a minor in Entrepreneurship from the University of Tennessee. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) from the Dental College of Georgia in 2022. After graduation, she couldn’t wait to return home to East Tennessee and was thrilled to join private practice alongside her mother.

Dr. Lovett’s interest in dentistry began early, shaped by a love for both science and art—and inspired by watching the positive impact her mother made on patients. She was especially drawn to the evolving understanding of the mouth-body connection and the ability to address systemic health through dentistry. Whether it’s a full smile makeover or a routine visit, she finds deep reward in improving not only her patients’ oral health, but also their confidence and quality of life.

Dr. Lovett is a proud member of several professional organizations including:

Academy of General Dentistry, Pre-Fellow
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cranham Culp Digital Dentistry
Pankey Institute (Essentials Series – E1 & E2 completed, E3 scheduled)
Tennessee Dental Association
First District Dental Association

Her clinical interests include cosmetic and comprehensive restorative dentistry, as well as responsible case planning aimed at preserving natural teeth. She is a devoted lifelong learner, often attending advanced continuing education courses—many of which she enjoys traveling to with her mother.

Outside of dentistry, Dr. Lovett and her husband, Pierce, enjoy spending time with their two dogs, Shadow (a German Shepherd) and Otto (a Bernedoodle). Together, they love taking neighborhood walks, exploring new local restaurants, spending time with friends on the lake, and traveling. Most recently, Erika has taken up a new challenge: learning golf!

Her warm, patient-centered approach, commitment to excellence, and genuine joy in helping others smile make Dr. Lovett an invaluable part of the Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry team.

Kingsport dental practice becomes home to region’s first mother-daughter dental team

“I love to call East Tennessee my home, and Pierce was eager to enjoy the beautiful scenery here,” she says. The couple enjoys hiking and trying out local restaurants with friends.”

Dr. Lovett looks forward to greeting new patients interested in general dentistry. And, she’s eager to learn from her mom as she begins to tackle new techniques and pursues advanced continuing education. The addition of Dr. Lovett to the Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry practice will allow patients to begin their treatment plans more quickly.

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We’re proud to celebrate an exciting milestone for Dr. Erika Lovett as she completes the Essentials Course Series at the renowned The Pankey Institute one of the most respected and comprehensive continuing education programs in dentistry.

At Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe exceptional patient care begins with a commitment to lifelong learning, advanced clinical excellence, and truly personalized treatment. Dr. Lovett’s dedication to continuing education reflects our passion for providing dentistry that is not only beautiful, but functional, comfortable, and designed to support long-term oral health.

Based in Key Biscayne, Florida, the Pankey Essentials curriculum features an accomplished faculty of experienced dentists and includes 168 hours — or 18 full days — of intensive, hands-on continuing education. The program focuses on comprehensive restorative treatment planning, elevating the patient experience, leadership within the dental team, and the precise execution of advanced dental care. Graduates also gain continued access to Pankey faculty mentorship and support as they begin implementing what they’ve learned in practice.

For Dr. Lovett, this achievement represents far more than completing a course series. It reflects a significant investment of time, travel, energy, and dedication toward becoming an even stronger provider for her patients and team.

“Every time I left a course, I came home inspired and energized with new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for comprehensive patient care,” Dr. Lovett shared. “The Pankey Institute and its faculty have been an incredible joy to learn from, and I’m excited to continue applying these concepts to better serve our patients here at home.”

The Pankey philosophy emphasizes functional harmony, esthetics, long-term oral health, and understanding the relationship between the teeth, muscles, joints, and overall wellness. Through this advanced training, Dr. Lovett continues to expand the level of care and expertise available to our patients throughout the Tri-Cities community.

For our patients, this means an even greater ability to provide thoughtful, individualized care — from cosmetic smile transformations and
restorative dentistry to helping patients achieve improved comfort, function, and confidence in their smiles. It reflects our ongoing commitment to blending leading-edge dentistry with genuine relationships, compassionate care, and an exceptional patient experience.

We are incredibly proud of Dr. Lovett’s hard work, passion for excellence, and commitment to continually growing as a clinician. Her investment in advanced education is ultimately an investment in our patients, and we are excited for all the ways this knowledge and experience will continue to elevate the care we provide every day.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Lovett on this wonderful accomplishment!

Meet Our Dentists

Kathy Sanders, DMD, FAACD

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Erika Lovett, DMD

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Kingsport dental practice becomes home to region’s first mother-daughter dental team

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