Our Mission Statement
The purpose of this practice is to create a secure, warm, and comfortable place where the treatment of all individuals and their interdependent relationships are based on the principles of trust, integrity, fairness, and respect. Our duty is to strive to provide the right dental care that is of exquisite beauty and value, while never forgetting that the patients who honor us with their presence are more important than any service our team provides.
Our Guiding Principles
Honest and Open Communication — Dr. Kauffman believes you should never feel rushed or left in the dark about your care. He takes the time to explain what he sees, why he recommends a particular treatment, and what your options are, so you can make an informed decision with confidence.
Beauty and Value — Great dentistry should look natural and stand the test of time. Dr. Kauffman combines an artist's eye for aesthetics with a commitment to lasting, functional results, so the care you receive is both beautiful and worth the investment.
Compassion — Many patients arrive feeling anxious or embarrassed about their dental health. Dr. Kauffman meets you with understanding, rather than judgment. He also offers sedation options so even the most apprehensive patients can get the care they need comfortably.
Integrity — Dr. Kauffman recommends only the treatment you genuinely need, and he is honest about your options, including when a more conservative approach is the better choice. You can trust that his guidance is based on your best interest.
Excellence — After more than four decades in practice, Dr. Kauffman still pursues continuing education and the latest proven technology because he believes patients deserve the best care available. That drive for excellence shows in the precision and thoroughness of every evaluation.
Professionalism — From your first phone call to the completion of your treatment, Dr. Kauffman and his team hold themselves to a high standard of care, respect, and reliability, so every visit feels organized, attentive, and centered on you.
Thomas W. Kauffman, DDS, PC
Dr. Kauffman’s foundation in dentistry is built on a rigorous and distinguished educational background.
He earned his undergraduate degree at North Central College before going on to complete his dental degree at Loyola University School of Dentistry in Chicago, Illinois, one of the most respected dental programs in the country. Following graduation, Dr. Kauffman completed a comprehensive General Practice Residency (GPR) at Reynolds Army Hospital in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he gained advanced clinical experience across a broad range of dental disciplines.
Dr. Kauffman then honorably served his country on active duty at Fort McPherson, Georgia, before entering private practice in Atlanta, bringing with him a level of discipline, precision, and patient dedication instilled through his military service.
His specialized training in IV conscious sedation was completed at the University of Alabama Dental School and University Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama, equipping him to safely and effectively care for patients with dental anxiety, complex treatment needs, or medical conditions requiring sedation.
A Lifelong Commitment to Continuing Education
Dr. Kauffman’s pursuit of excellence didn’t stop after dental school. He is deeply committed to ongoing continuing education, attending courses annually to stay at the absolute forefront of modern dentistry. His advanced studies focus on:
- Cosmetic dentistry and smile enhancement
- Dental implant restorations
- CAD-CAM technology (including CEREC same-day restorations)
- Oral and maxillofacial radiology
- Oral medicine
This commitment to lifelong learning means his patients always have access to the most current, evidence-based treatment options available without having to travel outside Atlanta to find them.
Highlights of Dr. Kauffman’s continuing education contributions:
- In 2012 and 2016, he hosted cadaveric surgical anatomy and dissection courses directly in his Atlanta office, training fellow dental professionals in advanced techniques.
- In 2013, 2016, and 2019, he organized and hosted CBCT (cone beam volumetric tomography) radiology diagnosis seminars in both Wichita, Kansas, and Atlanta, Georgia.
- He was a featured presenter at the national CEREC Scientific Symposium held in Las Vegas in October 2014, one of the most prestigious digital dentistry conferences in the country.
- He presented a course on CBCT imaging at a Georgia Dental Association annual meeting.
Community Leadership and Media Recognition
Dr. Kauffman’s expertise extends far beyond his Atlanta dental office. He is a recognized voice in the dental community and a committed educator who shares his knowledge broadly to elevate the profession.
As a trained spokesperson for the Georgia Dental Association, Dr. Kauffman has appeared on local television and radio dozens of times over the past 30 years, representing the dental profession and educating the public on important oral health topics.
He was prominently featured on CNN Headline News to discuss the role of IV sedation in modern dental treatment, bringing much-needed clarity and reassurance to dental anxiety sufferers across the country.
Dr. Kauffman was also featured in an interview with CEREC Doctors Magazine, sharing his insights on digital dentistry and CAD-CAM technology.
Additionally, he appeared as a guest on the XM Doctors Radio show “Heart to Heart”, hosted by Dr. Fred Feit, a renowned interventional cardiologist at Langone Medical Center in New York City, discussing the critical intersection of oral health and systemic medicine.
Dr. Kauffman also lectures annually at various symposia and has produced numerous training videos on CBCT cone beam imaging and its role in diagnosis and treatment, which serve as professional references for dentists nationwide.
Professional Honors and Affiliations
Dr. Kauffman’s credentials represent some of the most distinguished recognitions in the dental profession.
Professional Memberships:
- Georgia Dental Association
- American Dental Association
- American Academy of Periodontology
- American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
Fellowships and Awards:
- Honorable Fellowship — Georgia Dental Association
- Fellowship — Academy of General Dentistry
- Fellowship — International College of Dentists (FICD)
- Fellowship — American College of Dentists (FACD), a prestigious honor awarded to fewer than 3% of all dentists in the United States, recognizing exceptional leadership, ethics, and contributions to the profession.
- IAC Certification in Cone Beam Imaging — Dr. Kauffman is currently one of only 14 dentists and dental facilities in the entire United States certified in cone beam imaging by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC), a distinction that reflects an extraordinary level of training, precision, and quality standards in advanced dental imaging.
Beyond the Dental Chair
Dr. Kauffman resides in Marietta, Georgia, with his wife Janelle and their beloved family pet, Izzy. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys the quiet and restorative pace of life at his small farm in rural Benton, Kansas, where he recharges and reconnects with family and nature.
Megan L.
Dental Hygienist
Megan's path to dental hygiene began in 2017, when she launched her career as a surgical dental assistant while simultaneously pursuing her dental hygiene education. That combination of classroom learning and real-world clinical experience gave her a strong foundation and a deep appreciation for patient care. She went on to study at West Georgia Technical College and Georgia State University before joining Dr. Kauffman's team in April 2024.
What drew Megan to this field was its hands-on nature and the opportunity to make a genuine difference in people's lives. She brings that same enthusiasm to every appointment, focusing on creating a friendly, comfortable experience for each patient. Megan takes pride in building lasting relationships while educating patients on the value of good oral health, helping them feel confident about their smiles.
When she's not in the office, Megan loves curling up with a good book. She's happily married with one child and two dogs.
Megan R.
Dental Hygienist
Megan has been serving patients in the dental field since 2012 and joined Dr. Kauffman's team in 2024, bringing over a decade of hands-on experience to the practice. She earned her Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene from Georgia Highlands College.
What drew Megan to dental hygiene was the opportunity to help ease patient anxiety and be part of real, lasting oral health transformations. She finds it especially rewarding to watch her patients' confidence grow alongside their smiles, visit after visit.
When she's not in the office, Megan stays active through travel, hiking, gardening, and cooking. She also gives back to her community by volunteering at local dental clinics and animal shelters. A self-described shark tooth collector, Megan is scuba certified and on a personal mission to one day uncover a megalodon tooth in the wild.
Aja
Dental Assistant
Aja has been the welcoming face of Dr. Kauffman's practice since 2008, serving as the primary point of contact for patients from the moment they walk through the door. As a certified expanded duty dental assistant and admin assistant, she wears many hats, from greeting patients, managing scheduling, and updating records to handling billing and insurance questions, all while keeping the office running smoothly. When needed, she's also ready to step in and assist Dr. Kauffman chairside.
Aja earned her dental assisting certificate from ACT College and an Associate's Degree in business administration from Atlanta Technical College, a combination that's served her well in bridging the clinical and administrative sides of the practice. She especially enjoys helping patients understand the connection between oral health and overall wellness, walking them through their insurance benefits, and making sure every treatment plan is clear and accurate. She also values working alongside a team that communicates effectively and brings genuine professionalism to each day.
Outside the office, Aja loves to travel and try new cuisines, spend time reading or catching a good movie, and take walks on nature trails. A fun fact about Aja: she enjoys baking in her spare time.
Mai
Certified Expanded Duties Dental Assistant
Mai brings more than three decades of dental experience to the team, having begun her career in dentistry in 1991. Her passion for the field runs deep. She spent two years studying at Ho Chi Minh Medicine and Pharmacy University in Vietnam, where her dream of working in dentistry first took hold. She joined our practice in 2009 and has been an integral part of the team ever since.
As a certified expanded duties dental assistant, Mai supports Dr. Kauffman across a wide range of procedures, from restorative treatments and surgical implant stents to same-day CEREC® crowns. Her advanced training includes skills in using a wide array of complex dental technology systems, making her a highly skilled resource for patients receiving the latest in modern dental care.
What Mai loves most about her work is simple: helping people feel better and look their best. Her warm, caring approach puts patients at ease, and her enthusiasm for the work she does is evident every day. Outside the office, Mai enjoys reading, cooking, baking, sewing, and arranging flowers.
Doretha
Dental Administrative Assistant
Doretha brings more than 17 years of dental administrative experience to the team at Dr. Kauffman's practice, where she has been a dedicated and trusted team member for 13 years. She earned her associate's degree in accounting from Scott Community College in Iowa and has built a career around making sure every patient and every process is handled with care and precision.
In her role, Doretha manages the day-to-day operations of the front office, from verifying and filing insurance to overseeing accounts receivable. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed: she is a proud recipient of the Pride Award for personal responsibility in delivering excellence, presented by Security National Bank.
What Doretha loves most about her work is simple: helping people. Whether she's guiding a patient through their insurance coverage or keeping the office running smoothly behind the scenes, she's always focused on making sure everyone feels taken care of.
When she's not at the office, Doretha loves to travel and enjoys trying new things. She also has a flair for decorating for any occasion, a creative touch that reflects the warmth and attention to detail she brings to everything she does.