Who We Are

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Breathe better. Sleep better.


Dr. Kent and his team have extensive training and experience in the diagnosis and management of sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea. We can help you treat any sleep condition that interferes with a restful night’s sleep. 


We offer the full range of medical and surgical treatment options for sleep apnea and snoring, and work with you to customize a treatment plan that matches your own personal values and preferences.


Learn more about
Dr. Kent and Holly Budnick, APRN,
or call
(615) 322-4691 to make an appointment. 

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About Dr. Kent

Dr. David Kent is a surgeon-scientist with a clinical and academic career dedicated to the comprehensive management of sleep-disordered breathing, including snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Kent is double-board certified in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Sleep Medicine. He is one of only a few otolaryngologists to complete a formal Sleep Medicine fellowship and was the first provider in Tennessee to offer hypoglossal nerve stimulation (Inspire therapy) as a treatment option for people with sleep apnea. His team was the first Inspire Excellence Program Member in the Middle Tennessee region.

Dr. Kent is recognized as a leader within the field of Sleep Surgery. He has served on multiple committees within the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery related to the worldwide practice of sleep medicine and surgery. He has collaborated closely with colleagues to refine how Inspire Therapy is implanted, develop new professional guidelines for sleep apnea surgery, and publish new treatments for the management of sleep apnea. 

Dr. Kent is known among his patients and peers for his care and surgical expertise. He works closely with each patient to explain the range of available treatment options and to develop a personalized care plan that best meets each patient’s unique needs.

 

Education

Cornell University; Ithaca, NY – BA, Computer Science

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons; New York, NY

Postgraduate Training And Fellowship Appointments:
-
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Pittsburgh, PA
- Sleep Medicine and Surgery, University of Southern California; Los Angeles, CA

Board Certifications:
-
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
- Sleep Medicine

Academic Appointments
-
Assistant Professor and Director of Sleep Surgery in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center 
- Co-director, Vanderbilt Clinical Research Center Polysomnography Core

Publications
Learn more about Dr. Kent’s research and publications

 

About Holly Budnick, APRN

Holly Budnick is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with years of experience in the clinical management of sleep medicine and surgery patients. She graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Minor in Psychology from Kent State University in 2012 followed by a Master's of Science in Nursing from Walsh University in 2019 while working full-time. Holly has been in practice for over 10 years, with clinical experience in trauma and surgical intensive care units as well as outpatient sleep medicine. She collaborates closely with Dr. Kent to provide quality, compassionate, and comprehensive sleep care to all of their patients!

Holly is a Member of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, and gardening.

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