Discover top-rated dentists in Powell who are nearby, aligned with your needs, and committed to delivering a great experience.
Last Reviewed: April 26, 2026
Driven by a vision to place dental navigation at the heart of healthcare, Dr. Kyle Gernhofer brings together the perspectives of a dentist and an entrepreneur. Experience gained in private practice, military dentistry, and dental consulting has empowered DenScore to deliver a solution that benefits patients, providers, insurers, and employers.
Get to know our Top 3 Powell dental practices and discover why so many patients trust them with their smiles
Jeff Phillips, DDS & Dana Rust, D.D.S.
Address: 649 Briarcliff Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone: 865-483-7851
Bearden Family Dentistry – Dr. Tara Ericson
Address: 6311 Kingston Pike #27w, Knoxville, TN 37919
Phone: 865-588-7862
Beaver Creek Dental: Kyle Smith, DDS
Address: 7685 Oak Ridge Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37931
Phone: 865-896-3065
DenScore turns dental review data into actionable insight. Powered by a proprietary AI algorithm, it ingests thousands of online reviews and surfaces patterns that point to clinical capability, communication, and patient satisfaction. The score also takes affordability and accessibility into account – insurance acceptance, hours, location, hygienist staffing, and other practice attributes – because each shapes a patient’s ability to receive timely, affordable, high-quality care. The framework is also designed to incorporate claims-based dental metrics, providing further insight into treatment outcomes and clinical philosophy. Combined, these inputs help patients confidently identify excellent dentists.
While these dentists didn’t make our Top 3, we still rate them highly and believe they may be worth considering.
Premier Dental Associates: Dr. Dave Lee
Address: 201 Bus Terminal Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Phone: 865-483-1323
Kennedy Dentistry: Kennedy R Patrick DDS
Address: 2529 W Emory Rd, Powell, TN 37849
Phone: 865-947-2220
Blue Dog Family Dentistry: Dr. Tristen R. Smith
Address: 10825 Hardin Valley Rd, Knoxville, TN 37932
Phone: 865-338-3098
Gary R. Woodall DDS, MAGD, PA
Address: 161 Capital Dr STE 201, Knoxville, TN 37922
Phone: 865-531-0894
You should verify that a Powell dentist holds current Tennessee state licensure and a DDS or DMD degree, look for modern equipment like digital X-rays, and confirm they provide clear treatment explanations and itemized estimates before any procedure. Check patient reviews for patterns in wait times, billing transparency, and consistency of care rather than just star ratings. Red flags include pressure to schedule immediate treatments or vague cost estimates; good signals are thorough new patient exams and a clear protocol for handling emergencies. Always ask whether the practice is in-network with your insurance to avoid surprise out-of-pocket costs. You can find the best dentist near you on DenScore, and also consult our guide to choosing the right dentist for additional tips.
Most dental insurance plans in Powell follow the 100/80/50 rule, covering preventive care at 100%, basic fillings at 80%, and major procedures like crowns at 50%, with a typical annual maximum between $1,000 and $2,000. PPO plans let you see any dentist, including those near Powell, but out-of-network visits cost more, while HMO plans are cheaper but restrict you to a specific network. Be aware of waiting periods of 6 to 12 months for major work, and note that original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, though Medicare Advantage plans often do. Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) can pay for deductibles and co-pays with pre-tax dollars. If you’re willing to travel, there are highly rated Maryville dentists nearby. Also, you can compare dental insurance in Tennessee to find a plan that suits your needs.
Visiting a dental school in the Knoxville area or a Federally Qualified Health Center with sliding-scale fees can reduce costs by 50 to 70% for uninsured or underinsured patients near Powell. Many private practices also offer in-house payment plans or third-party financing through CareCredit, which allows you to spread out payments for major work. Always request an itemized estimate and insurance pre-authorization before any procedure over $500, even if you don’t have insurance. For regular checkups, preventive care costing around $200 can prevent a future $2,000 crown, making it a high-ROI investment. You might also consider trusted dentists in Mt. Juliet who may offer competitive rates.
Long wait times often result from high patient demand, inefficient scheduling, or a practice that is fully booked for routine care, so look for offices in and around Powell that explicitly state they are accepting new patients. Check recent patient reviews for mentions of appointment wait times and billing surprises; consistent complaints about delays or upselling signal inefficiency. If you experience dental anxiety, ask ahead about sedation options like nitrous oxide or oral sedation, as some practices specialize in anxious patients. Always get an itemized estimate upfront to avoid unexpected charges, and consider a second opinion for any recommended treatment exceeding $500. For major procedures, be sure to research dental insurance in tennessee work to ensure coverage.
DenScore aggregates thousands of patient reviews to detect patterns in clinical quality, communication, wait times, and billing transparency for dentists serving Powell and the surrounding area. It also evaluates accessibility factors such as insurance acceptance, office hours, location convenience, and availability of new patient appointments. Beyond online reputation, DenScore incorporates claims-based metrics to provide a fuller picture of a practice’s treatment philosophy and patient outcomes. This methodology helps you identify dentists who consistently deliver clear explanations, fair pricing, and reliable care. You can also browse top-rated dentists in Seymour and compare dental insurance plans in Tennessee for implant coverage.
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The information provided on DenScore, including our website and web application, is for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your dentist or healthcare provider with any questions about your oral health or specific treatment needs.