Meet Your PeachTree City Orthodontist
Dr. Eric Linkous
Dr. Eric Linkous joined the Mahaffey Orthodontics team in June 2019. He and his wife, Kara, moved to Peachtree City from Memphis, TN, where they spent seven years completing his dental school and orthodontic residency at the University of Tennessee and her master’s degree in speech pathology.
Education & Achievements
Dr. Linkous is a self-proclaimed “tooth-nerd” with a passion for excellence. He completed his undergraduate studies with a 4.0 GPA before being accepted into dental school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center after just three years.
Dr. Linkous graduated as the valedictorian of his dental school class of 90 peers, helping him to gain acceptance into the prestigious University of Tennessee Orthodontic residency, a three-year program focused exclusively on all aspects of orthodontics.
Following residency, Dr. Linkous achieved a professional milestone by having a research article, “External Apical Root Resorption and Vectors of Orthodontic Tooth Movement,” published in The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, which is the premiere research journal in the field. It was featured as the cover article and was a significant accomplishment in his career.
Dr. Linkous is always looking to expand the mastery of his craft. That’s why he completed a fellowship focused solely on the treatment of complex cases using Invisalign and other aligner systems. He is a committed member of several local and national study clubs to better work together with other members of the dental community to give patients the best results possible. Dr. Linkous is also a board-certified orthodontist, a distinction only about one-third of orthodontists have obtained.
Throughout his journey, Dr. Linkous has aspired to be people first as evidenced by his election by his peers to leadership roles, such as vice president of his dental school class and chief resident of his orthodontics residency. He has also been active in taking dental and non-dental related mission trips from Guatemala to Africa to India, and is active in church small groups and volunteering at his church.
Leadership Roles
- Chief Resident at UTHSC Orthodontics (2018-2019): selected by co-residents primarily to facilitate daily seminar discussions over case displays and be a liaison between the department and current residents.
- Vice President of UTHSC College of Dentistry Class of 2016 (2012-2016): selected by peer dental students to perform duties that included representing the class on all academic matters, leading tours and answering questions from interviewees for upcoming classes, matching incoming students with a mentor from the class a year ahead of them, and assisting the class president in any capacity necessary.
- Curriculum Committee Member at UTHSC College of Dentistry (2013-2016): attended monthly meetings with faculty to provide student representation and vote on possible curriculum changes as well as review current courses to ensure that accreditation standards are met or exceeded.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Linkous is an active member of the following organizations:
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Board of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- Dental Airway Study Club
- Georgia Association of Orthodontists
- Georgia Dental Association
- South Metro (Atlanta) Dental Society
- Southern Association of Orthodontists
- Southern Crescent Study Club
- Spear Study Club
Honors & Awards
- Published Research (American Journal of Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, 2018): During his second year of practice, Dr. Linkous achieved a professional milestone by having his article, “External Apical Root Resorption and Vectors of Orthodontic Tooth Movement,” published in the The American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, which is the premiere research journal in the field. It was featured as the cover article and was a significant accomplishment in his career.
- Dr. Jack Wells Dedication to Dentistry Award (UTHSC, 2016): awarded to the graduating dental student who has exemplified consistent excellence across areas of leadership, academic success, clinical ability, and dedication to the profession.
- Faculty Medal (UTHSC, 2016): presented by the faculty of UTHSC Dentistry to the graduating dental student with the highest scholastic average.
- American Association of Orthodontists Dental Student Award (UTHSC, 2016): awarded to one graduating dental student who has demonstrated an exceptional interest in the development of the oro-facial complex.
- Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence (UTHSC, 2014-2015): sole third-year student chosen by faculty members of Omicron Kappa Upsilon based on scholarship, character, and the potential promise for the advancement of dentistry and service to humanity.
- Thomas P. Hinman Scholar (UTHSC, 2014-2015): scholarship based on exceptional academic performance and presented at the Hinman Dental Meeting in Atlanta, GA.
- Richard Doggett Dean and Marguerite Taylor Dean Honorary Odontological Society (UTHSC, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016): membership based on intellectual ability, scholastic achievement, and deep interest in dentistry—one of only three students within the class of 2016 that were invited into the society for all eligible years.
- Imhotep Society Honoree (UTHSC, 2013-present): induction based on leadership in student government and other student organizations on campus.
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon Achievement Award (UTHSC, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016): awarded to students with the highest GPA at the completion of each academic year.
Outside of the Office
In his spare time, Dr. Linkous enjoys playing tennis and watching almost any sport. He especially loves cheering on the UT Vols.
He and Kara are passionate about being involved with their church, being active in the local community, and enjoy trying new foods and discovering new cultures. They’re also the proud parents of two young children, Eden and Jairus. Please say hello the next time you see them on the golf cart path or hanging out at a local coffee shop like they love to do.
