Dr. LaFever was born and raised in Nashville. While finishing dental school in Memphis, he met his wife Leigh Ellen (she was attending Pharmacy school). They married in December 1983 and have two grown children, Lauren (husband Trevor) and Luke. Dr. LaFever and his wife have lived in Mt. Juliet since 1993. During his youth, he loved to do various types of art work, especially sculpting, leather work, and oil painting. He has always had excellent hand dexterity and an eye for color, form and shade. These attributes, as well as a love of science, are the qualities that led him to pursue a career in dentistry. He saw it as a field in which he could be both an artist and a scientist. Other areas of interest include the Bible and Biblical apologetics, science and theology. He enjoys most sports, especially golf.
He began private practice in Hermitage, Tennessee in 1985 after serving in the Navy. In 2009 he opened Providence Dental Care in Mount Juliet. Dr LaFever has completed numerous continuing education hours in various dental treatment modalities, including Orthodontics (Braces), Prosthodontics (Caps, Crowns, Dentures), Periodontics (Gum Treatment), Sedation Dentistry and Implants, and Cosmetic Dentistry. Providence Dental Care staff and he will always continue to increase their knowledge of newer and better ways to help his patients improve and maintain their oral health. Dr. LaFever is a member in good standing of the following dental organizations: American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association and the Nashville Dental Society.
University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, Class of 1982. Graduated 7th in graduating class of 146. Certificate of Scholarship, academic year of 1980-81. Certificate of Honor entire course of Dentistry
Dr. Gunnels was raised in Mount Juliet. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, TN in 2001. After working for a year, he decided to pursue another career. Josh wanted a people-oriented profession that encompassed his science background and a love of working with his hands. Dentistry has been a perfect fit! After adding a few biology courses, he attended the University Of Tennessee School Of Dentistry in Memphis, graduating in 2008. Dr. Gunnels felt a strong desire to return home to Mount Juliet in hopes of starting a dental practice where he could serve the community with integrity, compassion, and gentle care.
On a personal note, Josh and Jenna were high school sweethearts! While Josh was in dental school in Memphis, Jenna was attending Western Kentucky Dental Hygiene School. They were married a month after both graduating in 2001. They have two children, Aubrey and Addison. Josh enjoys hiking, fishing, staying active, and helping at their local church. He is always looking for new ways to grow and expand his knowledge in the field of dentistry.
Dr. Gunnels is a member in good standing of the following dental organizations: American Dental Association, Tennessee Dental Association, Academy of General Dentists, and the Nashville Dental Society.
Dr. Bierlein was born and raised in Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He furthered his education at Tulane University where he earned a Master of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology. Dr. Bierlein attended dental school at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, graduating in 2018. He and his fianc, Lauren, met in Nashville in 2016 and are so excited to call Nashville home!
Community has always been a passion for Dr. Bierlein. He enjoyed Boy Scouts gaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He has appreciated giving back throughout his life. Dr. Bierlein has worked with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Indian Health Services, and Remote Area Medical. He has been able to use his dental skills providing dental care in the Dominican Republic and Chattanooga, TN. Today in Nashville, he enjoys providing dental services at the Interfaith Dental Clinic.
Outside of the office, Dr. Bierlein enjoys the outdoors especially fishing or hiking. He is also a big sports fan. Dr. Bierlein supports his alma mater, Michigan State Spartans and all the Detroit teams. And, of course, he has added the Predators and Titans to his favorites!
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 968 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestKANDICE WAY
a year ago
Best dental office in town!
Zach Whittaker
a year ago
The absolute best dentist in Middle TN! After I moved an hour away, I still drive out there for my regular cleanings. Seriously great place!
Julia Obringer
a year ago
Kristi treated me very kindly and was an excellent hygienist who cleaned my teeth.
Gary McVety
a year ago
Always friendly and professional. I'm very happy with the service.
Patti Neal
a year ago
Very professional and friendly staff. My hygienist was excellent.
Guillermo Morales
a year ago
Staff is always very friendly and helpful ! Usually anxious about the dentist but they make the experience so comfortable.
Cosmin Gal-Chis
a year ago
Heather did a great job as usual.
David Tegethoff
a year ago
Was referred by one of my best friends and it was fantastic! You either get a complimentary bleaching treatment OR an expensive Oral B toothbrush. I went with the toothbrush! Actually looking forward to my follow up appt (who says that for the dentist?!)
vicki catoe
a year ago
The friendliness of the staff was amazing. I recommend this office if you are looking for a dentist.
Rodasiw12 Wagaw
a year ago
They did a very fantastic and elastic job on my little girl they were polite on time and it gives my family and close relatives a pearl white shining smile I love it and I highly recommend this dentist affiliation
Jeffrey Barta
a year ago
Wonderful staff/service. Very knowledgeable. Clean office.
Brooke Gibson
a year ago
This was by far the best dental experience I've ever had. My hygienist was so thorough and kind and made the experience smooth and easy. The dentist was also amazing!
Eddie Rinehart
a year ago
Worst checkout desk staff I've ever encountered. Very poor communication throughout the office. Dentistry skill is subpar compared to any dentist I've been to. I changed to Providence Dental care, because my wife and her family have only used them and had great things to say. Then the practice was sold, and I've been for two separate issues, both of which caused me more pain and problems than any procedures I have had completed in the past. I'm still in the middle of a nasty and painful procedure because of a tooth that broke. I will not be back, even if they are able to fix my current issue. I do not recommend!
Alex Smith
a year ago
We just had our first appointment with Providence Dental Care and it was a great experience! Our dental hygienist, Ashlyn, was very thorough and explained in detail everything she was doing throughout the process. She was incredibly friendly and did a great job on my teeth. Dr. Bierlein was very friendly as well and answered all of our questions! I especially want to mention how great all of the staff was with my 2.5 year old daughter. Everyone was so patient with us, and after a trip to the treasure chest in their office Ashlyn was able to get my daughter to cooperate through her very first dentist appointment! Cannot recommend this office enough, we are so happy to have found a great dentist office.
Jeffrey Lyndon
a year ago
Love the staff here, been going here for years and never had a bad experience.
Donald Culbreath
a year ago
I am so glad I found Providence Dental Care and Dr.Gunnels, they are the very best you in every way! Starting with Christie who sets all my appointments and all the staff members are just wonderful caring people. I realized immediately I was in the right Dental Office after my 1st visit 5 years ago. I can't say enough about Dr. Gunnels, I'm 75 Yrs. Old and have sat in a lot of different dental chairs in my life but have never had the feeling of complete trust and comfort that I have with Dr. Gunnels. He is by far the Best Dentist I have ever had, always so kind and gentle, never tries to sell me dental work that I don't need. He is a outstanding dentist and person, who genuinely cares about his patients.
Rick Adams
a year ago
I came in for a cleaning, no wait time, I arrived at 2:55 and was called back at 2:56 with a 3:00 appointment. Heather was awesome, very pleasent experiance.
Roxanne _B
a year ago
Wish more dental practices were like Providence Dental. Had to move out of TN and have not yet found a dentist that provides such amazing care and service for kids and adults alike.
Thomas Pagano
a year ago
Awesome dentist office! Very friendly place and always on time , clean and professional!! Love my dentist!
Randy Vaughn
a year ago
Amazing staff and great Dental care.
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