About Us

Welcome to 21st Century Dentistry, the Nashville dental practice of Dr. Derek Thompson. The practice was founded in 1991 by Dr. David Dickerson with the mission of providing the absolute best dental care possible, honoring the individual needs and desires of every patient.

Dr. Thompson joined the practice in 2020, wanting to carry on that mission for many years to come. Working alongside an exceptional team, we strive to deliver high-quality dental care and service to help you achieve your immediate and long-term oral health goals.

DEREK THOMPSON, DMD

Dr. Thompson has been a practicing dentist since 2010. He has spent the majority of his career working as an associate in both Mt. Juliet and Hendersonville, but he always had the desire to have a practice to call home. As fate would have it, he met Dr. Dickerson while walking their dogs back in 2017, and they stayed in touch ever since. Fast forward a few years, and as of 2020, Dr. Thompson is happy to call 21st Century Dentistry in Nashville his dental home.

He is originally from Mayfield, Kentucky, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Murray State University. He went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry in 2010. He has a passion for lifelong learning and has completed nearly 1000 hours of continuing education in areas such as preventive dentistry, dental implants, and IV sedation to name a few. He is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the Tennessee Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.

Outside of the office, Dr. Thompson enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, hiking, and restoring his 1968 Mustang. He and his wife, Chelsea, live in Nashville and welcomed their first son, Sterling, in 2024.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

  • Aesthetic Continuum
  • All-Star Dental Academy
  • Efficient and Effective Endodontics
  • Foundry Dental Center Moderate Parenteral Sedation
  • Implant Dentistry Continuum
Derek Thompson DMD

MEET OUR FRIENDLY NASHVILLE DENTAL TEAM

Stephanie, a dental hygienist at 21st Century Dentistry.

STEFANIE

REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Stefanie has worked in the dental field for more than twenty years and joined our team in 1995. She works hard to build lasting relationships with our patients and is an integral part of our practice. Stefanie is a Nashville native and studied at Western Kentucky University. She is happily married to Lance, they have one daughter, Ava, and her dog Phoebe. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, and serving her Church at Avenue South family.
Sarah, a dental hygienist at 21st Century Dentistry.

SARAH

REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
Sarah grew up in Henderson, KY, where she graduated from Henderson Community College with a degree in Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene. Shortly after graduation she and her husband moved to Mount Juliet, TN, where they live with their son Drew and 3 puppies. Sarah enjoys getting to know her patients and helping them overcome any dental anxiety they may have.
Danielle, a dental assistant at 21st Century Dentistry

DANIELLE

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
With more than a decade working in the dental field, Danielle joined our team in 2007 and is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable and achieve their smile goals. She studied dental assisting at Nashville State. Danielle is happily married to Dusty, and they have one son, Rekker, and one daughter, Rosie. She spends her free time with her family and friends.
Shanon, a dental assistant at 21st Century Dentistry

SHANNON

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
Shannon has been with our practice for her entire dental career beginning in 2012. She loves having the opportunity to help patients and her fellow team members in whatever way she can. Shannon studied dental assisting at the Dental Staff School of Tennessee. When she's not at work, Shannon is happily married to Seth, and they are the proud parents of Stella and Archer. She enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family.
Tracylynn, an expanded function dental assistant at 21st Century Dentistry

TRACYLYNN

EXPANDED FUNCTION DENTAL ASSISTANT
Tracylynn has worked in the dental field for over 20 years. She has worked with Dr. Thompson for over 10 years and also joined the practice in 2020. Tracylynn studied Dental Assisting at Nashville State and furthered her training as an EFDA at UT-Memphis. Tracylynn is a Nashville native, and she has three daughters and three grandchildren. During her free time, she enjoys being outside, exercising, and spending time with her family and friends.
Ashley, an administrator at 21st Century Dentistry

ASHLEY

ADMINISTRATION
Ashley has worked in the dental field since 2012 and joined our team in 2015. She works hard to make every patient feel welcome and ensure they receive the high-quality care they deserve. Ashley is a native of Mt. Juliet, TN, and she enjoys going to the lake when she's not in the office.