Dr. Kristin Knierim
Dr Knierim was born and raised in Knoxville; she loves caring for the same community where she grew up. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Emory University before completing her Doctor of Dental Science from the University of Tennessee (Go Vols!) From there she earned her master’s degree in Orthodontics from Indiana University. She was inspired to become an orthodontist by her father who practiced in fountain city for over 30 years. Dr Knierim has been creating beautiful smiles since completing her orthodontic residency in 2005. Dr Knierim has also been published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and stays on top of the latest technology in the field. When she is not in the office, you can usually find her hanging out in the barn with her horses Lacey and Darby. Dr Knierim also enjoys hiking, skiing, and biking with her husband Scott, their three kids, and family dog Karl.
Dr. Eric Hatten
Dr. Hatten has been shaping smiles since 2015. He attended Marshall University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biological Sciences and Chemistry. He then completed dental school at West Virginia University and orthodontic residency in Georgia before officially becoming an orthodontist in 2022. With nearly a decade of dental experience and six years focused solely on orthodontics, he has developed a deep appreciation for the art and science of crafting beautiful smiles. His favorite part? The patients. “We all start with the same goal- to improve their smile and that’s so rewarding when we get there together!” When he is not in the office, you’ll probably find him outdoors either hiking, biking, camping, kayaking, fishing, or hunting. Fun fact: Dr Hatten can juggle, and he and his wife Kaitlin share their home with their cat Hartley who is named after the father of modern orthodontics!
Meet our Assistants/ Team Members
Our friendly team here at Knoxville Orthodontics consists of experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled dental professionals. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthier smile. Call our office today at (865) 522-7572 to schedule an appointment with our orthodontists and learn more about orthodontics in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Amanda – Orthodontic Assistant
Amanda has 25 years of experience in pediatric dentistry and seven in orthodontics. She finds it rewarding to help boost patients’ self-confidence. Amanda is a baseball fan, especially of the Tennessee Volunteers. Her daughter competes in clogging and pageants with the Miss America Organization, while her son plays baseball with his travel team and will be playing for his middle school as well.
Andrea – Orthodontic Assistant
Andrea brings nine years of dental experience, with eight spent at Knoxville Orthodontics. She loves helping treat the patients at our office as she has learned that no two journeys are exactly the same. Andrea enjoys antiquing, lake days with family, and adventuring with her son, Caden. She also cheers on her husband, who is a NASCAR driver
Autumn – Treatment Coordinator & Lab Technician
Autumn has been an RDA for four years and joined Knoxville Orthodontics in 2022. She splits her time between coordinating treatments and creating retainers and appliances in the lab. Autumn enjoys cheering patients on throughout their smile journey from their first appointment until their retainer delivery. She’s engaged to her high school sweetheart, Quentin, and loves football, baseball, and lake days with her dog, Tide named after the Crimson Tide.
Sandy – Scheduling Coordinator
Sandy started working in orthodontics in 1981 and returned to the field after a 20-year break. She enjoys connecting with patients and families. Sandy is a proud mother of two, grandmother of three, and dog mom to Buster and Lucy. She has worked alongside Dr. Knierim and her father as well. She also loves traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Bryan Candelaria – Assistant Manager - Spanish Translator
Bryan has been in orthodontics for over two years and serves as our Spanish translator. He focuses on making every patient feel comfortable and welcome. A couple of fun facts about Bryan is that he has completed a Spartan Race in Bogotá, Colombia and attended the 2014 FIFA World Cup hosted in Brazil. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, spending time with his wife, and hanging out with their dogs, Goat and Peanut.
Courtney Bounds – Lead Orthodontic Assistant
Courtney has been part of Knoxville Orthodontics since 2017 and is our lead assistant. She finds fulfillment in helping patients achieve healthy, confident smiles. Outside the office, she loves spending time with her family and especially her son, Walker, and enjoys cooking and the outdoors.
Michelle – Scheduling Coordinator
Michelle has worked in orthodontics for nearly two years and appreciates her supportive team. She’s a proud mom of four children—each with names starting with the letter Z! Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors and taking walks by the lake with her French Bulldog, Winston.
Rachel – Orthodontic Assistant
Rachel is passionate about orthodontics and helping patients achieve beautiful, confident smiles. As a former model and actress, she appeared in the film Butter with Jennifer Garner and Hugh Jackman. She is also a devoted mom to her six-year-old daughter and enjoys working out, traveling, and leading her neighborhood gardening association.
Stephanie – Practice Manager
With six years of experience in dentistry, Stephanie first found her passion while helping in Dr. Knierim’s office as a child. She finds joy in witnessing patients’ smiles transform and being able to help shape a patient's lifelong smile journey. A dedicated birder, Stephanie travels to spot rare birds and encourages patients to share photos of birds they see!
Adriana Almanza – Orthodontic Assistant
Adriana graduated from Dental Staff School of Knoxville in 2021 and has nearly four years of hands-on orthodontic experience. She enjoys building personal connections with patients and being part of their smile journey. When not at work, she stays active by playing soccer, working out, and spending time with her children.
Abby Hayes – Insurance Coordinator
Abby joined the orthodontic field in January 2025 and quickly developed a love for working with patients and their families. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and spending time with her husband, Michah, and their dog, Milo.
Emily Saporito – Treatment Coordinator
Emily attended Tennessee College of Applied Sciences for Dental Assisting and has worked in orthodontics for over six years. She loves seeing patients' confidence grow throughout treatment. Emily is an avid explorer of the Mountain West region and enjoys hiking with her two daughters, especially around waterfalls and mountains.
Advanced Technology
INDIVIDUALIZED TREATMENT FOR
ENHANCED OUTCOMES
The advanced technology we use at Knoxville Orthodontics allows us to provide the most efficient orthodontic care possible.
Our advanced technology improves the accuracy of your treatment, which gives you better, lasting results.
Our advanced technology includes 3D printing, which we use to create custom orthodontic appliances that straighten your smile and maintain the alignment of your teeth for a more aesthetic appearance.
In combination with our technology, we develop a treatment plan created just for you and your smile.
Learn More
Office Hours
MON - WED8:00 am - 5:00 pm
THU7:30 am - 4:30 pm
FRI8:00 am - 5:00 pm
SAT - SUNClosed
Office Hours
Office Hours
11213 W Point Dr,
Knoxville, 37934
Phone: (865) 522-7572Text Us: (865) 522-7572