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Home > TN Providers > Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons

Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. Samuel McKenna, DDS)

(443 Ratings)

Specializes in: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

University of California (1980)

Professional interests include: reconstructive surgery, neck surgery, dental implant surgery, and more.

2200 Children's Way 7th Floor
Nashville, TN 37232

(615) 875-3724

Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD is an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He graduated from University of California in 1980 and has 46 years of experience. Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD is affiliated with Vanderbilt Health and Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Office Locations

2111 Belcourt Avenue Suite 201
Nashville, TN 37212

open_in_new

Vanderbilt Health

2200 Children's Way 7th Floor
Nashville, TN 37232

(615) 875-3724

open_in_new

Some issues Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD can help you with:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)

TMJ stands for the temporomandibular joint, the little round joint that lies in front of the ear between the temporal bone ( the cheek bone) and the mandible (the lower jaw.) Often people use the acronym 'TMJ' to refer to temporomandibular joint dysfunction or disorder - that is, pain and stiffness in this joint and the muscles around it.

TMJ can cause a wide variety of symptoms related to the movement of the jaw. They can include earaches, headaches, an inability to open the mouth very far, painful clicking or popping noises when chewing or talking, and stiffness or pain in the jaw, face, or neck. Sometimes TMJ symptoms seem to go in cycles, getting better or going away for a while only to come back again. Symptoms can be mild and not very bothersome, or so persistent and painful as to be almost debilitating.

There can be many potential causes of TMJ. An injury or trauma to the jaw, arthritis, or grinding the teeth can all contribute to TMJ. The temporomandibular joint contains a small disc of cartilage that allows it to move smoothly, and this disc can become dislocated or torn. Sometimes the cause is unknown. There are no standard tests for TMJ, and it can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Mild cases of TMJ may benefit from self-care such as eating soft foods, practicing stress management techniques, and applying ice packs to the jaw. NSAIDS, such as ibuprofen, can be purchased without a prescription and work to reduce pain and inflammation. Some dentists and occupational therapists can suggest stretching techniques for the jaw which may help relieve stiffness. More serious cases may require a form of splinting called a stabilization splint or bite plate, which helps reduce pressure on the joint. Extreme cases may benefit from arthroscopic surgery on the joint.

In The News

"The importance of general dental care for infection prevention", Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

"Wisdom teeth: Is it time to remove them?", Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

"Falls can often result in the need for oral surgery", Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2023

Click on any procedure below to see further details on volume and pricing among Medicare patients.

Top 5%

By Volume:

panoramic X-ray

By Affordability:

dental X-rays

panoramic X-ray

X-rays

In 2023, among providers in related specialties within Tennessee, Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD performed more panoramic X-ray procedures for Medicare patients than 95% of them and he also had a list price for dental X-rays, panoramic X-ray, and X-rays that was lower than the list prices billed to Medicare by 95% of them. Actual amounts paid by patients can vary widely depending on a number of factors, including insurance coverage. A lower list price, however, might mean lower fees when paying without insurance.

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2012 were X-rays.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	133
X-rays	60

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2013 were X-rays, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	221
hospital care	18
inpatient care	18
X-rays	118

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	85
Female	107

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	169
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	85
From 75 to 84	43
85 and over	12
Less than 65	52

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2013

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	41
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	12
Atrial Fibrilation	12
Heart Failure	20
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	31
Dementia	9
Cancer	9

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2014 were X-rays, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	166
hospital care	19
inpatient care	19
X-rays	86

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	58
Female	95

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	140
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	69
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	42

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2014

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	29
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	25
Dementia	10
Cancer	11

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2015 were X-rays.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	145
X-rays	84

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	118
Female	152

**Age**
From 65 to 74	114
From 75 to 84	70
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2015

Hypertension	64
High Cholesterol	47
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	24
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	22
Dementia	9
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2016 were X-rays.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	153
X-rays	81

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	52
Female	84

**Age**
From 65 to 74	62
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	33

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2016

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	32
Asthma	13
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	11
Heart Failure	18
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	23
Dementia	0
Cancer	12

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2017 were X-rays, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	164
hospital care	15
inpatient care	15
X-rays	68

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	57
Female	87

**Age**
From 65 to 74	76
From 75 to 84	34
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2017

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	44
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	40
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	15
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	17
Diabetes	27
Dementia	9
Cancer	14

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2018 were X-rays, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	170
hospital care	40
inpatient care	40
X-rays	83

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	45
Female	96

**Age**
From 65 to 74	59
From 75 to 84	42
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2018

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	49
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	10
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	15
Diabetes	21
Dementia	9
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2019 were X-rays.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	154
X-rays	75

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	43
Female	76

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	108
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	58
From 75 to 84	30
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2019

Hypertension	66
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	32
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	33
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	16
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	24
Dementia	15
Cancer	10

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2020 were X-rays, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	95
hospital care	18
inpatient care	18
X-rays	26

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	36
Female	50

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	73
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	37
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	22

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2020

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	56
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	33
Depression	34
Chronic Kidney Disease	35
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	13
Heart Failure	22
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	35
Dementia	14
Cancer	15

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2021 were X-rays, hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	108
hospital care	15
inpatient care	15
X-rays	37

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	38
Female	60

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	84
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	52
From 75 to 84	28
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2021

Hypertension	65
High Cholesterol	61
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	29
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	14
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	33
Dementia	0
Cancer	13

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN during 2022 were X-rays.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	116
X-rays	31

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	30
Female	65

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	83
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	48
From 75 to 84	34
85 and over	0
Less than 65	0

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2022

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	75
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	37
Depression	36
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	27
Atrial Fibrilation	21
Heart Failure	17
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	21
Dementia	12
Cancer	24

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated as an oral surgeon in Nashville, TN were X-rays, hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit	147
hospital care	20
inpatient care	20
X-rays	68

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD.

**Gender**
Male	51
Female	79

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	59
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	25
85 and over	1
Less than 65	13
65 to 74	60

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	48
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	31
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	3
Osteoporosis	11
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	23
Atrial Fibrillation	7
Dementia	7
Cancer	11

Education & Training

Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD graduated from University of California in 1980. He completed residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He is certified by the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and has a state license in Tennessee.

Medical School: University of California (1980)

Residency: Vanderbilt University Medical Center (1985)

Board Certification: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery - American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (1987)

Licensed In: Tennessee

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

Vanderbilt Health

Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.68 out of 5 stars based on 443 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Nashville, TN.

4.68

Overall Rating

(443 Ratings)

Leave a Review

Reviews Left On DocSpot

Overall Rating: 3.0 2024-04-18

We specifically sought and in-network provider for my son's wisdom teeth removal and were assured they were in-network by doctor's office and our insurance. They were in-network at the the surgery location, but not at their office. They billed us directly over and over and told us they billed our insurance, but they never did file a claim. We have about 8-10 phone calls to them (which take a LONG time) and to our insurance company and a visit to the office to resolve it. I just paid about 180% of the insurance's accepted amount for the initial office visit because of this incompetence and/or deception .... not sure which. Dr. McKenna's office ..... please don't treat people like this.

Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 5.0 2024-09-25

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Dr. McKenna and his team of residents are outstanding clinicians/surgeons.

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-11-19

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Did not feel rushed. Both the fellow and sr. McKenna took their time

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-08-30

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Very professional and should concern for a problem never seen before

Overall Rating: 5.0 2025-05-12

Patient verified via Press Ganey

Always a great experience

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
BioHorizons Implant Systems Inc.	$275 BioHorizons Dental Implants $144	BIOHORIZONS $105	BioHorizons Dental Implants- TRX4610 $13	BioHorizons Dental Implants- TRX3812 $13
KLS Martin L.P.	$205 $205
Ormco Corporation	$95 DQ $95
Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.	$41 ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL $24	Dental $17
DENTSPLY IH Inc.	$41 ATLANTIS $27	ASTRA TECH Implant System $14
Other	$55 Microfixation-Oral and Maxillofacial $28	ASTRA TECH Implant System $27

**Types of Payments**
Food and Beverage	$712

Biography

Dr. Samuel McKenna is an oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist in Nashville, TN. He has a 4.5 out of 5 star average patient rating. Dr. McKenna's areas of expertise include dental implant surgery, facial trauma, and maxillofacial (jaw and face) surgery. He is professionally affiliated with Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. Dr. McKenna welcomes new patients at his office inNashville, TN as reported by Doctor.com. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and then he performed his residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Select Year:

Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD

Office Locations

Some issues Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD can help you with:

In The News

Noteworthy Medicare Patient Procedures Performed by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2023

By Volume:

By Affordability:

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2013

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2014 Medicare Procedure Volume

2014 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2014

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2015

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2016

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2017

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2018

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2019

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2020

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2021

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD in 2022

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Samuel J. McKenna, DDS, MD From 2012 - 2022

Education & Training

Affiliations & Hospitals

Ratings & Reviews

General Payments

Biography

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