Meet Dr. Bates
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