Hi Charlie,
You can achieve your requirement by calling SendToBack method of TabControlAdv so that the docked panel will be displayed in front.
Please refer to the attached sample that illustrates the same:
http://websamples.syncfusion.com/samples/Tools.Windows/F69499/main.htmKindly let me know if this helps you.
We appreciate your interest in Syncfusion products.
Best regards,
Golda