Dr. David T. Kent MD
Dr. David T. Kent is a board-certified otolaryngologist (ENT) and sleep surgery specialist based in Nashville, Tennessee. He serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he also serves as Director of Sleep Surgery and Director of Translational Research. Dr. Kent specializes in the comprehensive treatment of sleep-disordered breathing and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Dr. Kent earned his medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. He completed his residency training in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at UPMC Medical Education in Pittsburgh, followed by fellowship training in Sleep Medicine at the University of Southern California / Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General).
Dr. Kent is nationally recognized for his work in sleep surgery and airway neurophysiology research. He was the first physician in Tennessee to offer hypoglossal nerve stimulation (Inspire therapy) as a treatment option for obstructive sleep apnea. His research focuses on upper airway neurophysiology and innovative neurostimulation therapies for sleep apnea. He has received more than $4 million in NIH funding related to advanced sleep apnea research and has served on multiple committees within the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery.
Patients appreciate Dr. Kent’s academic expertise, innovative treatment approach, and commitment to evidence-based patient care. He is highly recommended by patients for his comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment options for sleep-related breathing disorders.
Education & Training:
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons — Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- UPMC Medical Education (Pittsburgh) — Residency, Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, 2010 – 2015
- University of Southern California / Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) — Fellowship, Sleep Medicine, 2015 – 2016
Board Certification:
- American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery
Medical Licensure:
- Tennessee State Medical License
- California State Medical License
- Alabama State Medical License
- Pennsylvania State Medical License
Languages:
- English
Specialties:
- Otolaryngology (ENT)
Subspecialties:
- Sleep Medicine
- Sleep Surgery
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) Treatment
- Airway Neurophysiology
Conditions Treated:
- Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
- Sleep-Disordered Breathing
- Snoring Disorders
- Upper Airway Obstruction
- Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
Procedures & Treatments:
- Hypoglossal Nerve Stimulation (Inspire Therapy)
- Sleep Surgery
- Airway Evaluation
- Minimally Invasive Sleep Apnea Procedures
Hospital Affiliations:
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Insurance Accepted:
- Medicare
- Aetna
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
Professional Roles:
- Associate Professor — Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
- Director of Sleep Surgery
- Director of Translational Research
Professional Profiles:
NPI Number:
Dr. David T. Kent NPI number is 1851612568.
To schedule an appointment or confirm insurance availability, please contact Dr. Lyndy office at (615) 322-6180