Meet Dr. Bates

A photo of Dr. Christopher Bates, who is smiling and facing the camera. Christopher Bates, DMD, grew up in Louisville, Kentucky, and completed his bachelor’s and doctorate at the University of Louisville. He married his wife, Phyllis, during his second year of dental school, and they welcomed their first child two years later. In 1984, Dr. Bates finished his general practice residency at the Louisville Veterans Administration Medical Center.

From there, Dr. Bates joined the United States Air Force Dental Corps, where he proudly served for 21 years, attaining the rank of colonel. With his family, he toured the Philippines, Louisiana, North Carolina, and San Antonio, Texas, where he completed his endodontic residency in 1996 at the University of Texas Health Science Center. He also completed certification in oral and nitrous oxide sedation. Dr. Bates educated many dental officers as Clinical Dentistry Flight Commander and Residency Program Director.

Treatment Philosophy

Dr. Bates describes his treatment philosophy:

“My goal is to save your natural teeth when possible and practical, as replacement options are sometimes unsatisfactory and more costly. Maintaining the teeth you were born with is important for proper nutrition. Endodontic treatment can be pain-free in nearly all cases and has a high success rate. Often, root canal-treated teeth continue serving patients for the rest of their lives. Bridges and implants require significantly longer treatment periods with additional opportunities for complications, and these restorations are not necessarily lifelong solutions. I prioritize giving you the most comfortable and pleasant endodontic experience possible.”

“What I find most satisfying about dentistry is detecting my patients’ problems, relieving pain, and saving teeth. I also love telling patients when they do not need root canal therapy. In these cases, we steer patients to the proper provider and avoid unnecessary treatment.”

A Member of the Community

Dr. Bates cherishes his home life with his family, which includes his wife of 34 years, Phyllis, their two sons, and their grandchildren. Dr. Bates and his wife live in Bulverde on a county-registered wildlife ranch, where they support songbirds, owls, turkeys, foxes, and family pets, including their five Scottish cows. They enjoy Scottish country dancing and hiking in the state parks.

Dr. Bates on his role in the community:

“Church family is big in our lives. I cannot say enough about being able to volunteer one’s time and talents to the needy, church, and community. I have been blessed to be able to share myself with many people and organizations over the years, and I am still quite active with a few. Currently, I provide root canals on Fridays at Haven for Hope/Christian Dental Clinic; serve my church’s Upward Basketball, Foster/Adopted Children, and Safety Team groups; and regularly patrol the streets for the Bulverde Police Department/VIPS.”

Education

University of Louisville, College of Arts and Sciences
University of Louisville, School of Dentistry
University of Louisville/Louisville Veterans Administration Medical Center General Practice Residency
USAF Wilford Hall Medical Center/University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Endodontics Residency

Meet our Specialists

Dr. Janse is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and is also a clinical associate professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Dr. Rayyan is a Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and is also a clinical assistant professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

Dr. Thompson is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Endodontics and is also board certified in forensic odontology.

“I was in pain and called around noon on a Friday, and they told me to come right in. This was wonderful because I was in pain. But the best part was the wonderful treatment by the front desk staff, the dental assistant, and most of all, Dr. Thompson. The experience was painless and I was able to remain relaxed. I watched the Food Network while he did my root canal.”

Sandra Blackburn

“Dr. Thompson recently performed a root canal on a compromised molar. He was kind, informative and very professional which made the whole process easy and as painless as possible. The staff in the front office were more than happy to help assist me with any questions and addressed all my concerns. I highly recommend Dr. Thompson and cannot thank you all enough.”

Monica

“I was very nervous about having a root canal. But Dr. Bates made me feel better and explained each time what the next steps would be. I love the idea to put headphones on to be distracted from the drilling and noise. He also called to check on me later that evening. Thank you for caring.”

Patricia James

“Dr. Janse is truly one of a kind! I came in with extreme pain and he kindly walked me through the procedure and reassured me everything would be okay. He was so compassionate and understanding of my pain, which made me feel heard and like I was in good hands. I could not be more grateful to have been treated by such a wonderful doctor and staff. Thank you!”

Jennycakees

5.0

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