West Knoxville Dentists
James F. Kotsianas, DDS
Dr. Kotsianas earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Microbiology in 1978. He went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis, TN with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1982. His professional memberships include The American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, the Second District Dental Society, and various study clubs including ITI -International Team for Implantology. Dr. Kotsianas is married with three grown children and several grandchildren and enjoys UT sports, golfing, and fishing. Dr. Kotsianas is an active member of the REO Referral Exchange Organization, St. George Greek Orthodox Church, and has been an involved member of the Rotary Club of Bearden for over 20 years.
Becky Kotsianas, Office Manager
Becky has enjoyed working for her brother-in-law for over 25 years as his Office Manager. Becky graduated from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition and worked as a Dietitian in both clinical and administrative settings for 5 years before moving into dentistry. Becky and her husband John enjoy spending time with their grown children and new grandchildren. She enjoys music, traveling, gardening, cooking, reading a good book, and Zumba fitness.
Kiera Pemberton RDH, Hygienist
Kiera graduated from Roane State Community College with an Associated of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene Technology in 2014. While in school, she was awarded the Hu-Friedy Golden Scaler award for academic achievement. Kiera married her husband Adam in 2016 and shortly afterward they bought Kiera’s childhood home in Clinton. She has a big heart for animals and currently has 2 rescue cats and a dog. She likes to spend her free time on her creative hobbies.
Vanessa Abarca, RDH
Vanessa was raised in Florence, South Carolina where she attended Florence Darlington Technical College and graduated from the dental hygiene program in 2017. Vanessa is fluent in both English and Spanish and looks forward to providing exceptional service and ease of communication to our Spanish-speaking patients. Her husband owns and operates Barrios Mexican Cantina in Oak Ridge. During her free time she enjoys spending time with her husband and two young sons. They love to watch soccer and enjoy traveling, reading and staying active.
Christi Wade, RDH, Hygienist
Christi lives in Knoxville with her family, but she is originally from Huntsville, Alabama. Christi lives and breathes for Alabama Football. Christi has been in the dental field for more than thirty years. She attended Roane State Community College where she graduated Magnum Cum Laude with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She continued her studies at East Tennessee State University with a BS degree in Dental Hygiene. Christi is licensed in Local Anesthesia and the Administration and Monitoring of Nitrous Oxide. Christi has worked for Dr. Kotsianas since 2014. Her main objective is to give her patients a thorough gentle cleaning and to educate them on proper oral hygiene.
Dennise Baird, RDA, CDA, Dental Assistant
Dennise began her career as a dental assistant after graduating from Tennessee Technology Center in 1997 and has been employed by Dr. Kotsianas for over 20 years. She enjoys reading, camping, spending time with her family, contemporary Christian concerts, and traveling with her husband Tim. She and Tim also enjoy cheering on the Central High School Bobcats where her daughter plays trumpet in the marching band.
Rachel Hughes, RDA Dental Assistant
Rachel received her dental assistant training in the United States Air Force stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish, Louisiana. She has been in the dental field for 26 years. Rachel grew up in upstate New York and has been living in Tennessee since 2005 where she resides with her husband Walter, son, and stepchildren. Rachel enjoys painting, arts and crafts, camping, and baking cakes for her business Rachel’s Sweet Connections.
Penny Clevenger, RDA, Patient Coordinator
Penny was born and raised in Knoxville and began her career in dentistry 34 years ago as a chairside dental assistant. She has also worked as a Financial Coordinator for several dental offices and most recently as a Patient Coordinator. She brings lots of experience and a cheerful personality and laughter to our office each day. She and her husband Daniel enjoy camping, hiking and spending time with their family. They have 5 grown children and 4 grandchildren.