Lead Associate Opportunity in beautiful Knoxville suburb

Join Our Team as a Lead Associate Dentist

If you’re a dentist who’s ready to lead, build long-term relationships in a tight-knit community, and take ownership of a respected practice, this is your opportunity. Tailwater offers the autonomy of private practice with the backing of a values-driven group.

Based on current production, a full-time Associate Lead can expect to earn between $240,000 and $300,000 annually, with upside as the practice continues to grow.

Compensation:

• Earning Potential: $240,000–$400,000 per year 
• Additional Benefits:
  • $10,000–$15,000 sign-on bonus.
  • CE allowance to support your professional growth.
  • 401(k) with up to a 4% match.
  • Group health insurance for peace of mind.

Path to Partnership

Tailwater is actively seeking doctors who want to grow into ownership roles. Our Associate Lead Doctor will be eligible to become a partner — with equity — in Tailwater Dental Partners. We’ll discuss the timing and structure together, but this is a real, tangible path to shared success.

Location:

Maryville, TN is a suburb of Knoxville with a population of 35,000. Home to Maryville College, the community has grown at a rate of about 1,500 new residents each year since 2019. Every year, more and more people are moving to Maryville because of low cost of living, good public schools, low crime, and a family-friendly community.

About Us: Our 10 growing practices focus on patient care, team collaboration, and fostering a positive environment. With decades of commitment to our communities, we are dedicated to clinical excellence and providing autonomy to our associates.

Why We’re Hiring:

The practice currently works out of 5 operatories, with Dr. Curtiss and the interim associate (Dr. each working 2 days per week. Upon recruiting a new Associate Lead doctor, we’ll design a transition plan so Dr. Curtiss can eventually retire altogether and the interim associate will join another Tailwater practice with a flexible part-time schedule.

Technology & Environment:

This office is updated with new computers, new mill, and scanners, ensuring the highest quality care for our patients and efficiency for our team.

Schedule & Flexibility:

• Full-time, currently open 4 days a week (Monday - Thursday). 

Procedures:
General dentistry with opportunities to expand your skill set in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Collections and Patient Base

In calendar year 2024, Curtiss Dentistry generated $1.62M in collections. Of that $1.62 M, $1.2M came from Dr. Curtiss, and the remaining $420K came from hygiene. 2025 is tracking higher, and we expect to finish with collections >$2M.

1. 46% ofpatients are out-of-network self-pay (fee for service), and the remaining 54% have PPO commercial dental insurance (mostly Delta and Blue Cross). The practice does not accept Medicaid.
2. In 2024, Curtiss Dentistry had 4,400 patient visits, including 165 new patients (14 new patients per month). Over 50% of the new patients were referred to the practice by existing patients.

More about Curtiss Dentistry in Maryville, TN:

https://www.curtissdentistry.com/