Meet the Team at Dental Co. of Knoxville

Dr. Dyron Holt, DDS, FAGD, FICOI

Education

• Carson-Newman College, Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Jefferson City, TN (2008)
• Meharry Medical College, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Nashville, TN (2015)
• St. Vincent Charity Medical Center, General Practice Residency, Cleveland, OH (2016)
• Fellowship, International Congress of Oral Implantology (2018)
• Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (2025)
• What Brought Me to Dentistry

I love being able to work and give back to my community. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I knew I wanted to do something related to healthcare. With support and encouragement from my family, I found dentistry allowed me to establish connections with patients, solve unique problems, and positively change people’s lives. Dentistry is a great fit for me, as it allows me to combine my love for science, art, and working with my hands in order to truly help people.

My Education & Experience

I studied chemistry at Carson-Newman after earning an academic scholarship. After that, I went to Meharry Medical College, where I fell in love with the art of dentistry. After graduation, I further developed my skills as chief resident at Case Western University - St. Vincent Charity Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio.

I am committed to continuing education courses in order to remain current with state-of-the-art technology, procedures, and materials in dentistry. I am always looking for more opportunities to advance my clinical skills to better serve patients. I am an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry and the International Congress of Oral Implantology.

I recently became a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. This accomplishment is one of the most prestigious awards in dentistry and designates that the awarded dentist has achieved a clear standing of excellence within their profession. Only 6% of dentists in the U.S. have earned this honor by completing 500 continuing education credits, passing a comprehensive 400-question exam, and maintaining membership in the AGD for 3 consecutive years.

Overall, I have spent several years practicing and learning about dentistry, and I’ve certainly enjoyed it. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing improvement in the oral health, appearance, and function of a patient and knowing that I’ve helped in some way.

Life Outside of Dentistry

When I’m not at the dental office, I am enjoying time with my family. Whether it's hiking, golfing, running, skiing, or just going for a walk, we can’t get enough of the outdoors. I also enjoy traveling. One of my favorite places to visit is Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 

Martina

Office Manager

Martina is Dental Co. of Knoxville’s office manager who graduated from Tusculum University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management in 2010. She’s been part of our team since May 2021. 

For Martina, the number one benefit of her job is the opportunity to meet so many new people, especially those who recently moved to the area. As our office manager, Martina supports our providers and patients, ensuring they have a positive experience while receiving the high-quality dentistry they need. She’s proud to be our patients’ advocate with their insurance plans by making sure they get the most out of their benefits. Martina is a valuable resource for our patients, and we are grateful she keeps our dental practice running smoothly on a daily basis. 

Martina and her family enjoy hiking, boating on the lake, watching movies, and planning their next vacation. She also loves the musical Hamilton, has seen it live twice, and has watched it on Disney Plus at least a dozen times. 

Kaitlin

Registered Dental Hygienist

Kaitlin joined our team in June 2023. She brings a wealth of knowledge, holding bachelor's degrees in biology and dental hygiene from the University of Tennessee.

Her passion for dental hygiene is rooted in her understanding of oral health's significant impact on overall wellness. She takes pride in educating our patients about the importance of oral care and guiding them toward optimal health. Her interest in dentistry began early, with fond memories of visits to the dentist, and now she enjoys providing that same positive experience to others.

When she’s not caring for our patients, you'll find Kaitlin trail running, hiking, rock climbing, biking, and ultra running.

Samantha

Registered Dental Hygienist

Samantha joined the Dental Co of Knoxville team in March 2026, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a genuine passion for oral health. Though she is a fresh face at our practice, Samantha is a seasoned professional who has been working in the dental field since 2019.

Samantha’s dental career began in her hometown in Ohio, where she started as a dental assistant through a vocational high school program. Her love for the field brought her to Tennessee, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in 2025.

At our practice, Samantha is responsible for:

• Providing thorough professional cleanings.
• Updating diagnostic X-rays.
• Delivering personalized patient education and nutritional counseling.

Samantha’s favorite part of her job is the one-on-one time she spends with her patients. Working alongside Dr. Holt, she specializes in helping patients navigate dental anxiety. Her goal is to transform the dental chair from a place of stress into a comfortable, positive environment.

"I’ve always loved going to the dentist, and I want my patients to feel that same level of comfort and passion for their oral health. There is nothing better than seeing a patient leave with a confident, healthy smile."

When she isn’t helping patients achieve their best smiles, you can find Samantha enjoying the Tennessee outdoors. She loves spending time on the lake, baking, reading, or taking her dog, Mac, on hikes.

Fun Facts about Samantha:

• A Unique Habit: She admits she probably talks to herself more than she talks to other people!
• Sports Fan: Her family dog is named after the legendary football coach, Nick Saban.

Lisemene

Registered Dental Assistant (RDA)

With over three and a half years of experience as a Registered Dental Assistant, Lisemene brings a unique blend of technical expertise and a calming presence to our team. A graduate of Knoxville Dental Staff, she is also certified in Glidewell advanced techniques—a specialized training that allows her to expertly design and mill custom crowns right here in our office.

Lisemene understands that a visit to the dentist can be nerve-wracking for some, which is why she prioritizes carrying herself with confidence and composure that puts patients at ease. "The best part of my day," she says, "is knowing we’ve provided a service that gives someone their confidence back through a beautiful smile." She thrives in our team-oriented environment, believing that a supportive workplace is the key to providing exceptional patient care.

Outside of the office, Lisemene is a creative at heart who enjoys gardening, drawing, and cooking. Fun Fact: She has a bit of a controversial "hot take"—she absolutely hates peanut butter!

Karen

Expanded Functions Dental Assistant

Karen is our dedicated and skilled EFDA (Expanded Functions Dental Assistant) at Dental Co of Knoxville! With an impressive 22 years of experience in the dental field, Karen brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for patient care to our practice.

A graduate of the Tennessee Technology Center of Knoxville, Karen plays a vital role in ensuring our patients have a pleasant and efficient dental experience. As an EFDA, she is qualified to place fillings after the dentist has prepared the tooth, allowing Dr. Holt to dedicate more focused time with each patient. Karen’s responsibilities also include meticulously preparing and sterilizing treatment rooms and utilizing digital scanning technology.

One of Karen’s favorite aspects of her job is connecting with patients on a personal level and ensuring they feel comfortable and well-cared for during their visits. She also deeply values the collaborative and enjoyable atmosphere within our team.

What Karen loves most about her work is the opportunity to provide attentive care to every patient, ultimately contributing to positive dental experiences. Her desire to help individuals improve their smiles, boost their confidence, and enhance their overall health is what initially drew her to the dental field. She also has a knack for educating patients, empowering them to take control of their oral health.

Outside of the office, Karen enjoys spending quality time with her friends and family. Her adventurous spirit shines through her love for hiking and 4x4 trail riding, and she also enjoys relaxing by the lake.

A fun fact about Karen? She has been a lifelong resident of the Knoxville area! We are thrilled to have Karen as a valued member of the Dental Co of Knoxville family.

Kelsey

Patient Coordinator

Meet Kelsey, our friendly and dedicated Patient Coordinator at Dental Co. of Knoxville! With a warm smile and a passion for helping others, Kelsey is often the first point of contact for our patients. You'll find her expertly managing everything from greeting you at the door and scheduling appointments to verifying insurance and ensuring your electronic records are handled with care.

Kelsey brings a wealth of experience to our team, having worked in dentistry since 2018. She received her dental assistant training in Michigan and honed her skills through hands-on experience starting in 2018. What Kelsey loves most about her work is witnessing patients overcome their dental anxieties and seeing the joy of a confident new smile. She is new to Dental Co. of Knoxville and eager to contribute to our patient-focused environment.

Outside of the office, Kelsey enjoys spending quality time with friends, family, and her beloved golden retriever, Dunkin. You can also find her at the gym or listening to the latest tunes by Morgan Wallen. A fun fact about Kelsey? She has her esthetician license, a hobby that showcases her passion for helping others feel their best!

Camila

Patient Coordinator

With eight years of hands-on experience in the dental field, Camila Lopez is the welcoming face and voice of Dental Co Of Knoxville. As our Patient Coordinator, Camila is dedicated to ensuring that every patient’s journey is smooth, stress-free, and comfortable from the moment they walk through our doors.

Camila joined the dental field out of a passion for healthcare and a desire to help people feel truly confident in their smiles. Whether she is assisting with complex insurance verifications, coordinating schedules, or answering treatment questions, her goal is always the same: to provide top-tier customer service within a supportive team environment.

When she isn’t at the office, Camila stays active at the gym and loves the challenge of learning new things. A true explorer at heart, she is a master trip planner and loves immersing herself in new cultures. While she’s busy mapping out her dream trip to South Korea, she’s right here ready to help you navigate your next dental visit with ease!