Meet Our Dentists
Kathy Sanders, DMD, FAACD
Dr. Kathy Sanders is the founder of Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry and one of the nation’s most highly credentialed cosmetic dentists. She is Tennessee’s first and only Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD)—an elite distinction held by fewer than 100 dentists worldwide.
For more than three decades, Dr. Sanders has combined advanced clinical expertise with an artist’s eye to create smiles that are beautiful, natural and designed to last. She founded Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry in 1992 and has built her career around comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry, helping patients improve not simply the appearance of their smiles, but their comfort, function and confidence as well.
A native of the Savannah, Georgia, area, Dr. Sanders earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Georgia Southern University and her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Dental College of Georgia. An accelerated academic path allowed her to become a licensed dentist at just 24 years old.
Her commitment to excellence has defined her career. Dr. Sanders joined the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in 1998, earned AACD Accreditation in 2006 and, in 2019, achieved the Academy’s prestigious Fellowship credential after successfully completing its extensive clinical evaluation process. She was the first dentist in Tennessee and the 81st dentist in the world to earn this distinction.
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Dr. Sanders has also pursued hundreds of hours of advanced education in cosmetic dentistry, complex restorative care, occlusion, implants, facially generated treatment planning and digital dentistry. Her training has included study with internationally respected clinicians and institutions including Dr. Frank Spear and the Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education, The Dawson Academy, the University of the Pacific’s Anterior Aesthetics Program, and advanced implant programs through Zimmer/ZimVie and Nobel Biocare. Her longstanding commitment to continuing education has repeatedly earned recognition through the Tennessee Dental Association’s ACE Certificate of Recognition program.
For Dr. Sanders, however, dentistry has always been as personal as it is technical. One of the earliest defining moments in her career came while she was still in dental school, when she had the opportunity to restore her own mother’s smile. Seeing firsthand how beautifully performed dentistry could change the way someone felt about herself helped shape the kind of dentist Dr. Sanders wanted to become.
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Today, she has the added joy of practicing alongside her daughter, Dr. Erika Lovett, continuing a shared commitment to exceptional dentistry and lifelong learning.
Beyond her practice, Dr. Sanders has used her skills to serve women affected by domestic violence through cosmetic dental initiatives associated with AACD’s Give Back a Smile program. She was also honored with the Milligan College Leaders in Christian Service Award in 2015.
Dr. Sanders and her husband, Brian, enjoy spending time with their two adult children and their growing families—including their granddaughters. When she is away from the office, she enjoys traveling, snorkeling, reading and gardening.
Advanced Training & Professional Affiliations
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) — Accredited Fellow
- Dental Mastery — Founding Member and Advisory Board Member
- The Dawson Academy — Alumni Member
- American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine — Qualified Dentist
- American Dental Association
- Tennessee Dental Association
- First District Dental Society
- Christian Medical & Dental Associations
- Advanced aesthetic dentistry training, University of the Pacific
- Advanced restorative and occlusion training with Dr. Frank Spear and the Seattle Institute for Advanced Dental Education
- Advanced implant education through Zimmer/ZimVie Institute and Nobel Biocare
- Ongoing participation in AACD Annual Scientific Sessions since 1998
Honors & Distinctions
- Tennessee’s only AACD Accredited Fellow
- First dentist in Tennessee to achieve AACD Fellowship
- 81st dentist worldwide to achieve AACD Fellowship
- AACD Accredited, 2006
- AACD Fellow, 2019
- Tennessee Dental Association ACE Certificate of Recognition, repeatedly awarded for advanced continuing education
- Business Journal Forty Under 40
- Milligan College Leaders in Christian Service Award, 2015
Erika Lovett, DMD
Dr. Erika Lovett is an Associate Dentist and owner of Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry PLLC, 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.
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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 – Completed Essentials Course Series
- 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.
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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!
