At The Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, you’ll find a team committed to the provision of excellence. From the gracious hospitality of Southern charm to an unwavering commitment to exceptional quality, an encounter within our care will be one you are sure to remember.
LEIGH
New Patient and Complex Case Coordinator
I enjoy meeting new patients and helping Dr. Sanders develop treatment plans. I am the patient advocate who coordinates all phases of treatment, beginning with our treatment conference (which defines chronological stages and financial obligations), as well as scheduling coordinating appointments with specialists.
I am honored to have been a part of this team since 2005. I love what I do and am most thankful to serve under the leadership of Dr. Sanders: someone who is not only an excellent dentist, but also an incredible team leader. She respects each member of our team and encourages us to step “outside of the box” in our own areas of leadership. It is also a blessing to serve with Dr. Erika Sanders Lovett, since she joined the practice in 2022. Truly, our team finds joy in one another and our patients. Laughter is the sound most often heard when you stop to listen in our office!
My husband, Bob and I live in Kingsport. I have three grown sons and three wonderful daughter-in-laws! I have been blessed with five grandchildren: Lochlan, Leyton, Lewis, Owen, and MacKenzie. As of 2018, we also have 3 wonderful step-grandchildren: Alexis, Nathaniel and Keira. I am an avid reader and travel for leisure. I am a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and am active in many church activities, including choir and cooking for our Sunday Meals on Wheels program.
GRETCHEN
Registered Dental Hygienist
I help our patients achieve their personal ideal level of oral health by providing a variety of preventive and assessment procedures. In addition to my BS degree in dental hygiene, I have practical experience in the dental field from subbing at various offices throughout the region, as well as working for five years at another office. I’ve loved each opportunity I have been given, but found my perfect fit with Tri-Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry.
One of the best parts of our office, and what you’ll notice when you first come here, is the warmth and camaraderie of our staff and our dedication to providing quality care in a relaxed atmosphere. I love working for Dr. Sanders because of the emphasis she places on continuing education for both herself, and her team, in striving to be the best. The result is that we are always enhancing our skills, which ensures that each patient receives the quality care they expect and deserve.
I live life by the motto, “work hard, play hard.” I give my career 100%, but during my time off, I travel often and spend lots of time with my family. I have three adult children and grandchildren who keep me busy and entertained. Additionally, I love to run, exercise, and surround myself with wonderful, positive friends. I am a member of First Baptist Church of Kingsport and the Junior League.
RACHEL
Registered Dental Assistant
Accepting the position in Dr. Sanders office in 2020 is the best decision I’ve ever made — the second best was going back to school so I could work for such a wonderful practice!
I became a Registered Dental Assistant after graduating with honors from the Ross Medical School in Johnson City. My goal as an assistant is to further my knowledge so that I may assist Dr. Sanders in providing our patients with an exceptional experience.
I grew up on the Jersey shore where lived in the Adirondack Park. I recently located to Tennessee in 2016. I have two children, two cats — Dokkaebi and Artemis — and dog named Ember. Lenore, my oldest, is studying to be a medical assistant. Luke, my youngest, is attending high school. My hobbies include reading, sketching, and painting with watercolor.
KAYLA
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Registered Dental Assistant
I have always enjoyed working in the medical field, spending the first few years of my professional life in nursing. Then, I found my true calling in dentistry, graduating from the dental assisting program at Northeast State in 2017.
As a Registered Dental Assistant, I proudly wear many hats in our office. From being chair side to working in our in-house lab to ensuring all safety and sterilization protocols, no two days are ever the same. I love that in our office, we truly work together as a team to provide the utmost care and hospitality to each individual that comes through our door.
As an assistant, I am with each patient from start to finish — and even long after — helping individuals reach their dental goals. My personal desire is to help provide comfort and individual care that ensures a positive experience within our care. I assist Dr. Sanders as a second and sometimes third set of hands during procedures to provide the best dental experience possible.
What I love most about our team is the emphasis that Dr. Sanders places on continuing education for both herself and the whole team.
She encourages all of us to “think inside AND outside of the box” and use our individual strengths. We are continually enhancing our skills and never stop learning about all of the new advancements in dentistry.
My husband Andrew and I were married in 2013. We live in Bristol with our two young children - Emmitt, born in 2014, and Harper, born in 2018. We have a white lab mix named Olaf.
We are active members of Community Church in Bristol and enjoy serving and participating in outreach programs. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family, and working on various crafting projects — especially making customized tumblers. Some of my favorite things include: reading, exploring new places, true crime documentaries/podcasts, and of course, all things leopard print.
REBECCA
Dental Assistant
Since joining the team in Jan 2023, I have enjoyed working with all our wonderful patients.
I grew up in East Tennessee and am lucky to call this place home. I entered the field of dentistry in 2010 and have enjoyed growing my skills and serving patients over the years.
In my personal experience, I have noticed people who are in pain but continue to be reluctant to go to the dentist. I saw this gap in care that resulted from a fear of dentistry. This motivated me to join the field of dentistry and help to bridge the gap for patients who may be afraid of the dentist. I hope to make patients feel comfortable and welcome. Since starting to work with Dr. Sanders and Dr. Lovett in January 2023, I have enjoyed learning about digital dentistry. I love seeing patients reach a new level of confidence once their treatment is complete.
On a personal note, when I’m not with family or working, I love to hike and visit local state parks in the area. I am so thankful for the beauty of east Tennessee and surrounding areas. Ask me about which mountain I climbed this month!
LAURIE
Dental Assistant
I’m so happy I joined the team here at Tri Cities Center for Cosmetic Dentistry! I have been a dental assistant my entire adult life. Dr. Sanders & Dr Lovett are wonderful to work alongside. Our values align in that I want to help patients achieve the healthiest, most beautiful smile they deserve! The smiles and happy tears our patients exhibit upon completion of their treatment is such a blessing!
I am a Registered Dental Assistant, having obtained my radiology and other dental certificates necessary for my job. I chose to become a dental assistant in my teens and still several decades later love and enjoy what I do. I truly believe dental education is the key to great oral health.
I moved to East Tennessee with my husband Tim whom I have been married to since 1983. We have 3 sons: Matt, Josh & Adam along with 4 beautiful grandchildren: Savannah, Noah, Jaxon & Alexandria. We also have a German Shorthair Pointer named Kaia. I have recently taken up gardening and am enjoying watching the vegetables grow. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my grandkids, baseball, reading and shopping. We take many day trips around this beautiful area, the mountains kept calling us and we finally listened. We love it here!!!