A talented and attentive dentist, Dr. Steven Nauss is dedicated to making a difference in his patients' lives by providing exemplary dental care. He knows that it takes more than just a good technique to be a great dentist-it takes commitment, understanding, and most importantly, a genuine interest in patient health and safety.

Dr. Nauss, a graduate of the well-respected University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, has extensive training in cosmetic, restorative, and family dentistry. After earning his dental degree, he completed a one-year general practice residency at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. Since then, he has kept his clinical skills current through a series of reputable continuing education courses, including the Ross Nash Continuum of Cosmetic Courses in Charlotte, North Carolina.

After devoting nearly 15 years to his neighbors as a dentist with a community health center, Dr. Nauss opened the doors to his own practice in early 2002. Having a private practice, he says, allows him to enhance his skills and really take advantage of the exciting new advances in dentistry.

Dr. Nauss is currently studying with the Dawson Center for the Advancement of Dentistry. He has been active in the Zimmer Dental Implant Peer Practicum over the past year. With these additions to his education and studies, Dr. Nauss has added a new piece of technology to his practice, to enhance the benefits and services he can offer to his patients. He has added CEREC® 3D to the practice. He also received training for CEREC 3D. CEREC 3D is a terrific addition to the practice. Through this technology he is able to offer single visit services for restorations such as porcelain crowns, inlays and onlays. This service eliminates the need for multiple appointments, temporaries, and the additional anesthesia and drilling that would be needed for multiple visits. CEREC 3D provide gorgeous aesthetics and is just another example of how Dr. Nauss is providing beautiful and healthy smiles to his patients.

Dr. Nauss is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the Tennessee Dental Association, the Second District Dental Society of Knoxville, and the Lonesome Pine Dental Society. When not designing dazzling, healthy smiles for his patients, Dr. Nauss enjoys gardening, reading, and exercising.

Debby worked as a social worker for 27 years before joining our team nearly 3 years ago. This unique experience has given her the ability to provide our patients with quality and knowledgeable care with any questions they may have. Debby currently lives in Big Stone Gap with her best friend and significant other, Charlie, along with their chocolate lab Maggie May. During her off-time she enjoys spending quality time with her two wonderful grandchildren and summers on the lake with her family.

Connie is a life long resident of our community. She graduated from Pennington High with honors in 1982. After high school she worked for a local grocery store chain and a nursing home until she found her true calling in 1994 when she became x-ray certified and joined Dr. Nauss at Stone Mountain Health Services in St. Charles, Virginia. The two worked together for 8 years before Dr. Nauss decided to open his own practice in 2002. Thankfully, Connie decided to join Dr. Nauss and has been with the team since. Connie is also the mother of 2 children and 2 grandchildren. She loves planning get togethers with her whole family, whether it be on the holidays or just for fun. When she's not busy doing this she is an avid reader and movie goer.

In 1976 Kathy graduated from Southern High School in Louisville, KY. She then attended the University of Louisville and graduated with her associates degree in dental hygiene in 1982. Since then Kathy has enjoyed a 27 year career gaining great experience working for various dentist. She became a vital part of our team in 2002 and currently holds a license in Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky. She actively pursues furthering her education while still volunteering for organizations such as the medical reserve corps. Kathy moved to Big Stone Gap in 1997 and is the mother of 3 children as well as the proud grandparent of her first grandchild. When Kathy isn't working she is probably going to be found traveling with her friends and family. In the past several years she's enjoyed exploring the Western U.S. And Canada.

John began working with his father, Dr. Nauss, in 2007. He graduated with honors from Powell Valley High School in 2004 and went on to study biology at East Tennessee State University and eventually the University of Virginia's College at Wise. Never feeling fulfilled with his current path, John was introduced to the dental laboratory field by Dr. Nauss. He then studied dental anatomy and laboratory materials at J. Sergeant Reynolds Community College in Richmond, Virginia. Since then the two have been working side by side in providing state of the art dental care for the community. He is currently a member of the National Association of Dental Laboratories and actively pursues furthering his skill and knowledge in the field.

Christy graduated from Powell Valley High School in 1998 and then attended Mountain Empire Community College for 2 years. She joined Dr. Nauss when he first opened his own practice in 2002 and worked with the team for several years before taking a personal break. In August 2008 she rejoined and strengthened our team. When Christy isn't at work she can be found spending time with her wonderful new son, Alex, who was born in July of 2008.

Patty, Dr. Nauss's Wife, is a life long resident of Big Stone Gap. She graduated from Powell Valley High School in 1987 and soon went on to Mountain Empire Community College on a pharmacy technician course while working at a local pharmacy. Patty is not only an integral part of Dr. Nauss's life, but also his practice. She works behind the scenes handling our insurance billing and on Thursday's acts as our receptionist. She is a great part of the team. When at home she enjoys reading non-stop, mostly crime mysteries, and spending time with her family.