about us

Our Mission & Approach

aDVANCED, COMFORTABLE CARE

At Confident Smiles & Implants, we do dentistry differently. We are dedicated to delivering a stellar patient experience whether you are here for a simple preventive appointment or implant surgery. Our goal is to empower every patient to put their best smile forward, and that’s why we offer a personalized approach from start to finish.

Drs. Luis & Tori Mariusso

Your Local Farragut Dentists

Dr. Luis Mariusso

When Dr. Luis was 7, he moved to the USA from Brazil with his family. His passion to help others, interest in science, and creating things with his hands, led him to pursue dentistry. Dr. Luis met his wife, Dr. Tori while attending a pre-dental conference at the University of South Florida, where he earned his Bachelors degree in Biology. After undergrad, they both applied to dental schools across the country in hopes of attending together. They were both accepted into their top choice, the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

Since earning his DMD from the University of Kentucky, Dr. Luis has expanded his implant knowledge through a number of courses such as, Implant Pathway where he helped provide dental care for Veterans in Arizona and was invited back to instruct. He also trained at McCracken Implant Education in Alabama. He was awarded a fellowship from the ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologists) and the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics in 2018.

With his dedication to lifelong learning and compassionate, judgment-free care, you can trust that you are in good hands with Dr. Luis.

Book a Visit with Dr. Luis

Dr. Tori Mariusso

Since Kindergarten, Dr. Tori knew that she wanted to become a dentist. Her curiosity for medicine and working with people turned into a passion, which she followed all the way to college.

She graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelors in Biology and a Minor in Public Health. She then went on to earn her DMD from the University of Kentucky.  

One of Dr. Tori’s favorite things about dentistry is being able to improve a patient’s oral health and emotional well-being through transformative cosmetic work. She is Invisalign certified and offers Botox treatments to help give patients the smiles they’ve always dreamed of. Dr. Tori also loves creating a fun and trusting environment for kids of all ages.

After falling in love with the Knoxville area, Drs. Luis and Tori moved to Farragut to serve the community through dentistry, with a mission to treat every patient like family. They both enjoy hiking with their good boy, Oliver, traveling, spending time with friends and family and being active in their church.

If you’re looking for a down-to-earth, expert dental care in Farragut, come in for a visit with Dr. Tori!

Book a Visit with Dr. Tori

Dr. Dina Alani

Dr. Dina Alani grew up in Knoxville, she attended West high school. She was always a Vols fan and went on and graduated from University of Tennessee-Knoxville and then went to University of Iowa College of Dentistry to peruse her dream of becoming a dentist. After dental school, Dr. Alani came back home and completed a General Practice Residency at University of Tennessee Medical Center, focusing on general, cosmetic, and surgical dentistry.

In her spare time, Dr. Alani’s hobbies include staying active, working out, hiking, exploring restaurants and coffee shops. She also enjoys traveling and exploring new places.

Dr. Alani is committed to lifelong learning, she started doing continuing education courses while still in dental school. She serves as an attending faculty at the University of Tennessee Medical Center and has passion for teaching as well as continuing to learn. She has a deep passion for dentistry and has strives to achieve a strong impact on her patients and their lives.

Book a Visit with Dr. Dina

Dr. Barry Mercer

After graduating from Creighton University dental school and serving as a decorated officer in the United States Army Dental Corp. Dr. Mercer returned home to California to practice dentistry with his father. They created a unique and well-respected practice in Sacramento and operated it for more than 20 years.

Dr. Mercer's passion has always been to assist his patients in achieving and maintaining their optimal dental health and "Smile" goals in the most gentle, and compassionate way possible.

Dr. Mercer also holds certificates in nutrition and personal training and his favorite hobbies include exercise and reading. His favorite things though are spending time with his wife Tina, his two children, and their three dogs.

Now that he has moved to the beautiful Knoxville area we are so excited to have him as part of our team.

Book a Visit with Dr. Barry

Affiliations

American Dental Association
tional congress of oral implantologists
Invisalign

Expert Care & Friendly Service

Meet Our Team

Ezra

Front Office Lead

Hi, I’m Ezra! I am the Front Office Administrator here in the office!Originally I grew up in the small town of Clyde in North Carolina which is just right outside ofAsheville & relocated to Knoxville in 2015 with my mom. When I was little I always said I wanted to go into the dental field- I have a passion for people & I truly believe that something so simple & so small can change someone’s life around completely. Everyone has a story to tell & everyone deserves to be heard.I love adventuring to Nashville to watch hockey games & enjoy the food! Being outside is another one of my favorite things- I grew up in the mountains, so that is where I spend most of my time! I also have a cricut craft machine at home that I spend a lot of time with! Not to mention being a fur momma to two mini dachshunds! What makes me unique? Good question- the passion I have for my job. I always tell people that there is a reason why I do my job - the people & the patients that I come in contact with. I want other people to love dentistry just as much as I do.

Laci

Registered Dental Hygienist

My name is Laci and I have been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 2017. I attended MiddleTennessee State University where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and Food Science. I worked as a nutrition counselor at a medical clinic for a few years before deciding togo back to school for my degree in Dental Hygiene. I was born in Germany and have traveled allover the world while my father served in the Army. I am now proud to call Knoxville my home along with my husband and son, Bodie

Holly

Registered Dental Assistant

Born and raised in Maryville Tennessee, Holly began her dental career 12 years ago as a Dental Assistant. She received her certification at the Dental Learning Center in Maryville and attended Pellissippi Community College. She always knew she wanted to work in the medical field so she could help others. Holly loves traveling, hiking, staying active in the gym and spending time outdoors. She is a dog mom to a beautiful golden doodle named Charley.

Sienna

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT
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Caroline

REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
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Ezra

OFFICE MANAGER
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Laci

REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST
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Brianna

REGISTERED DENTAL ASSISTANT / HYGIENE ASSISTANT
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Oliver

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What to Expect

Tour Our Office

Amenities

Beverage Station

Local Baked Goods

TVs in Operatories

Wireless Headphones

Plush Blankets

Therapeutic Aromas

Paperless Office

What to Expect

During Your First Visit

When you arrive at our office, you’ll always be greeted with a warm welcome. After we give you a tour and show you to our operatory, Dr. Tori and Dr. Luis will get to know you, discuss your needs and goals, then begin your oral exam. Next, we will take x-rays and clean your teeth. At the end of your visit, we will discuss our findings and suggest a treatment plan, if necessary. If no issues are found during your visit, we will simply book your next preventive appointment in about six months!

Patient Forms

preparing for your visit