Meet Dr. Michael Luethke
The new leader of one of Knoxville’s premier general dental practices.
Dr. Michael Luethke, Tailwater’s newest practice partner and the new leader of New Dentistry, an elite general dental practice in Knoxville, TN.
Dr. Luethke is originally from Knoxville. He studied pre-dentistry and food science at the University of Tennessee, where he was a Chancellor’s Scholar. After college, he earned his Doctorate in Dental Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry.
When Michael Luethke was a kid, he loved visiting his dad’s dental office.
His dad, Dr. John Luethke, had a well-respected 2-chair practice in the Knoxville neighborhood where Michael grew up. The practice was small, but John was beloved.
His patients were neighbors, friends, and even included Michael’s high school principal.
“I saw the positive impact my dad had on the lives of the people around us. I knew I wanted to do that too.” - Dr. Luethke
So Michael studied and excelled.
When he graduated from Karns High School, Michael was the salutatorian and the recipient of the Karns Spirit of Achievement award, given annually by teachers to the senior who most embodies excellence in academics, athletics, and extracurriculars.
5 days after graduation, Michael’s dad passed away after a long struggle with complications from diabetes.
“When I arrived on campus at the University of Tennessee, I wanted to make my dad proud.” - Dr. Luethke
And Michael did well.
He was selected for the Chancellor's Honors Program reserved for the top 5% of students, and he got involved in campus Christian ministry (RUF).
Also, he won Tennessee's first-ever national championship in Dairy Tasting.
Then he moved to Memphis to earn his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of Tennesee College of Dentistry.
And now he’s moving home.
When Michael decided to move back home to Knoxville, he was in high demand.
Dentistry is a family business. His late father was a dentist, his mom is a dental office manager, his aunt is a hygienist, and his uncle is an oral surgeon.
Lots of great dental practices wanted Michael to join them.
He chose New Dentistry over several others because of the foundation of integrity, excellence, and values laid by his predecessor, Dr. Dick Barbee.
Everyone in my family knows Dr. Barbee’s reputation as an excellent dentist and a great man. That’s the kind of practice my dad had for 26 years, and New Dentistry is the kind of practice I want to be a part of.
I’m so honored to join this practice and build upon his legacy. I know I have big shoes to fill, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly.
- Dr. Luethke
Dr. Dick Barbee (bottom right) and the team he built over a 40-year career providing exceptional dental care to his friends and neighbors.
Dr. Barry Mercer (bottom left) will continue to practice at New Dentistry alongside Dr. Luethke and the rest of their elite team.
Another chapter in New Dentistry’s long history
Dr. Dick Barbee started New Dentistry in 1982 after graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry.
The combination of clinical excellence and sincere love for patients earned Dr. Barbee an unmatched reputation. With the love and support of his wife, Doe, Dr. Barbee built an exceptional team.
As Dr. Barbee started to scale back his own clinical practice, he brought on Dr. Barry Mercer to see patients part-time.
And when Dr. Barbee retired from clinical dentistry in 2022, he hand-selected Dr. Luethke as his full-time successor.
Dr. Michael Luethke and his wife, Shelby Headley Luethke, a Memphis native and recent graduate of the Christian Brothers University Physician’s Assistant program.
Win, win, win.
Win for Dr. Barbee.
Win for Dr. Luethke.
And a win for New Dentistry’s patients.
Our team at Tailwater is proud of the reputation Dr. Barbee built at New Dentistry. And we’re proud to be partnering with Dr. Luethke as the practice’s next leader.
We’re all excited for the next 40 years.
Click here today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Luethke!
And check out the short video below to learn why more and more dentists like Dr. Luethke are choosing to lead practices powered by Tailwater.
