Dr. Michael A. Knight, Sr.
Michael A. Knight, Sr., DDS is a graduate of the University of Georgia and the Emory University School of Dentistry. As a member of Emory’s last graduating dental class, Dr. Knight finished first clinically in his 1988 class. After more than 25 years as a community dentist in his hometown of Eastman, Georgia, he took a short-lived retirement in 2016. The following year he launched his own dental support organization, called American Dental of Georgia. Soon after, his son Michael joined the company to fulfill a life-long dream of working together. Their Eastman practice is now the fifth addition under the American Dental of Georgia umbrella.
Dr. Knight’s Role at DOCS Education
Dr. Knight brings years of experience performing safe and effective IV sedation in his practice. By maintaining an amazing caseload of approximately 1,000 IV sedation surgeries annually, he draws patients from miles away to his central Georgia offices – and now shares that knowledge with live IV clinical sessions as a member of the DOCS Education IV Sedation Faculty.
Professional Achievements
Augmenting his dental education, Dr. Knight took a mini residency in implants and received parenteral IV sedation certification, both at the Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry. In addition to his DOCS faculty affiliation, he served as an adjunct professor at Medical College of Georgia from 2004-2019.
Dr. Knight was named 2019 Safe Sedation Dentist of the Year for his exemplary professionalism and dedication to his patients.
Affiliations and Memberships
Dr. Knight is a member of the American Dental Association, Georgia Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, and in 2019 he was appointed to the Georgia Board of Dentistry by the governor.
Getting to Know Dr. Knight
Dr. Knight is very committed to his family and community. He and his wife, Dawn, are very close to their three children, Michael, Thomas, and Annie. Dr. Knight also enjoys fishing hunting, working on their family-owned farm and is a deacon at their local church.
• What do you find most satisfying about dentistry and/or teaching?
Because I’ve “been there, done that” I can help dentists – especially young ones – who want to learn sedation dentistry and see how it makes life easier for their patients.
• What do you consider your top 3 accomplishes in your career?
One, being able to do IV sedation. Two, running successful practices over the years. And three, having my oldest child wanting to go into practice together.
• What causes are closest to your heart and how do have you been able to use your skills to support them?
I’m very passionate about providing more services, specifically dental surgery, to special needs patients. There aren’t many practices in the state equipped to treat certain patients and I’m currently working with a small local hospital to donate these services. I look forward to creating more opportunities in the sedation dental community.
• Who was the biggest influence in your career?
Mike Pruett, DMD, who was the Director of General Practice Residency at the Dental College of Georgia.
• What advice would you give your younger self, knowing what you do now?
Learn what you can and focus on it early. I’m glad my son is starting IV sedation young because I know it will make your team a lot better and put your practice in an elite class.