The Smile Squad

Meet The Team

 

We are a team made up of passionate, teeth-loving nerds. We LOVE seeing smiles change and lives transformed. We would be honored to serve you and your family with your orthodontic needs.

Dr. Sheldon Bates

Husband, Dad, Chief Bow Tie Wearer, and Co-Smile Creator.

Living His Dream

In middle school, Dr. Bates set his sights on becoming an orthodontist and 15 years later, he arrived!

Super Smart

Dr. Bates graduated summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Biology from Wofford College and later attended the Medical University of South Carolina where he earned his DMD degree with high honors.

Dr. Bates received his Master’s Degree and Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. Sheldon Bates

 

Husband, Dad, Chief Bow Tie Wearer, and Co-Smile Creator.

Dr. Sheldon Bates Richmond
Super Smart

Dr. Bates graduated summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree in Biology from Wofford College and later attended the Medical University of South Carolina where he earned his DMD degree with high honors.

Dr. Bates received his Master’s Degree and Specialty Certificate in Orthodontics from Virginia Commonwealth University.

VCU For Life

Dr. Bates is currently a part-time faculty member at VCU’s School of Dentistry in the Orthodontics Department – the same residency program he attended.

Husband

Dr. Bates' wife, Taylor, is the other part of the duo that leads Bates Orthodontics.

Adventurer

Dr. Bates loves exploring new parts of the country.

Girl Dad

Dr. Bates is a girl dad to four little ladies - what a lucky guy.

Dr. Scott Philips

 

Runner, bow tie aficionado, and Co-Smile Creator.

Dr. Sheldon Bates Richmond

Dr. Scott Philips

Meet our fellow bow tie aficionado, Co-Smile Creator, and aspiring dog dad.

Bow Tie Club Member

Dr. Philips has been rocking a bow tie since high school. He was a member of the Bow Tie Club, a community service organization in which everyone wore a bow tie during their acts of service.

Also Super Smart

Dr. Philips is also a huge nerd. He trained and graduated from the same orthodontic residency as Dr. Bates, one of the best in the country.

Prior to residency at VCU, he attended Washington and Lee, graduating summa cume laude from undergrad, and the University of North Carolina for dental school. He graduated at the top of his dental school class with a distinction in community service.

Also Super Smart

Dr. Philips is also a huge nerd. He trained and graduated from the same orthodontic residency as Dr. Bates, one of the best in the country.

Prior to residency at VCU, he attended Washington and Lee, graduating summa cume laude from undergrad, and the University of North Carolina for dental school. He graduated at the top of his dental school class with a distinction in community service.

Bow Tie Club Member

Dr. Philips has been rocking a bow tie since high school. He was a member of the Bow Tie Club, a community service organization in which everyone wore a bow tie during their acts of service.

Fiance

Dr. Philips is engaged to his wonderful fiance, Dr. Christina Gordon!

Athlete

Dr. Philips enjoys running and completed the Richmond Marathon in 2021. He is also an avid sports fan. Go Heels!

Adventurer

Dr. Philips has hiked the Himalayan mountains in Nepal! He loves trying new things and tasting new foods.

The Whole Smile Crew

We are a team of smile experts. We have decades of combined years in orthodontics and we love helping you achieve your smile goals. We work hard to make your experience in our office a blast!

Abby Practice Manager
Abby
Practice Manager

Abby is a country girl at heart. She enjoys spending time with her family – including her sweet pups!

At Work

Abby is the glue that holds the whole office together. She is the keeper of all the details and makes everything run smoothly.

Jenny Cutright
Jenny
Treatment Coordinator

Jenny enjoys spending time with her family. She is a soccer mom, coffee lover, and looks forward to her daily walks.

At Work

Jenny is our forever steady eddy, the ultimate deal hunter, and is the queen of the sale.

Jenny Cutright
Tiffany
Treatment Coordinator

Outside the office, Tiffany loves spending time with her family in Charleston, SC, cheering on her daughter as a proud cheer mom. She’s a Starbucks enthusiast and a big fan of Southern Charm—it’s her perfect blend of sass and Southern style.

At Work

Tiffany is our dedicated Treatment Coordinator who brings warmth and positivity to every patient interaction—always smiling, laughing, and working hard behind the scenes. Her strong work ethic and approachable nature make her a trusted and well-loved presence among both patients and team members.

Vannessa Gilcrest
Vannessa
Treatment Coordinator

Say aloha and hola to Vannessa! She is a Hawaii girl at heart and lover of all things water.

At Work

Vannessa is our rock-star bilingual Treatment Coordinator who loves making you feel welcome in English and en español.

Jess Maclin Smiling
Jess
Patient Coordinator

Jess is a twin, our second in the office! She loves going to the gym and healthy eating.

At Work

Jess spends her days welcoming you to our office – over the phone and in person. She loves seeing our patients smile!

Kristan Patient Coordinator
Kristan
Patient Coordinator

Kristan loves parenting her precious son! When she isn’t making memories with her family, you can find Kristan cleaning thoroughly or taking naps.

At Work

When calling our office Kristan is able to help you with any of your orthodontic needs due to her clinical experience. Kristan is always willing to help!

Rachelle Martin
Rebekah
Patient Coordinator

Recently married, Bekah kicked off this exciting new chapter with a magical, snow-filled honeymoon in Switzerland. Fueled by coffee and her love for Suits, she spends her off-hours binge-watching episodes and channeling her inner Harvey Specter—confidence and all!

At Work

 Rebekah, or “Bekah” as we call her, is one of our amazing Patient Coordinators who keeps the office running smoothly with her humor and positive energy. She’s always ready with a joke and a smile, making every patient (and teammate) feel right at home.

Nic Robinson
Alexus
Patient Coordinator

When she’s not brightening up the office, Alexus is a proud mom of two energetic boys who keep her on her toes! She’s a true supermom who loves Starbucks runs, Target strolls, and can even chat with you in ASL.

At Work

Alexus is our friendly and bubbly Patient Coordinator, here to welcome you with a smile and make your visit smooth from start to finish. She brings experience and warmth to our front desk team.

Rachelle Martin
Rachelle
Clinical Manager

Rachelle dreams of being a professional shopper when she grows up and is an A+ gift giver.

At Work

Rachelle is known for being the fastest orthodontic assistant east of the Mississippi. Her decades (you read that right) of experience make her an invaluable member of our team.

Nic Robinson
Maisha
Digital Manager

Sushi, rollercoasters, and going to the gym are some of Maisha’s favorite things.

At Work

Maisha’s shining smile is on full display while communicating with our patients through Dental Monitoring. She loves making everyone laugh and smile.

Kim Clinical Assistant
Kim
Clinical Assistant

Kim’s cupcakes rival the best in the world! She is a dance mom and wife to a firefighter. 

At Work

Kim is best friends with everyone in the office, staff and patients alike. She is warm and cares for each patient like they are family.

Brenna Clinical Assistant
Brenna
Clinical Assistant

When she isn’t working, Brenna can be found running or spending time outside.

At Work

Brenna has been working in orthodontics since she was 16 years old – you read that right! She is so committed to teeth that one year she even dressed up as the tooth fairy!

Rachelle Martin
Morgan
Clinical Assistant

Morgan is a mom to 2 sweet boys. She is Dunkin Donut obsessed and has a passion for singing and cows!

At Work

Clinical Assistant

With six years of orthodontic assisting under her belt, Morgan is a pro at making patients feel comfortable.

Nic Robinson
Treniquis
Clinical Assistant

Treniquis is a Care Bares and Sanrio fanatic. She loves her family, friends, dancing, and crafting.

At Work

Treniquis is here to help you feel comfortable

Kayla Patient Coordinator
Kayla
Clinical Assistant

Kayla is a newlywed, happily married to her best friend and living her dream life with their two spoiled (and totally adorable) dachshund pups—seriously, we all wish we were them! When she’s not doting on her fur babies, you’ll find her sipping on a 7brew iced coffee and rewatching The Vampire Diaries like it’s the first time.

At Work

Kayla is one of the friendliest voices and one of the first to greet you when you walk through the door!

Kiyana Clinical Assistant
Kiyana
Clinical Assistant

Kiyana is a devoted fan of Disney’s Stitch. She finds joy in the little things, whether it’s exploring the outdoors, enjoying music, or playing with her son & animals.

At Work

Kiyana is usually very laid-back which makes the perfect assistant for patients who may be anxious or have a lot of questions. She also loves to joke & make patients feel at home.

Jillian Clinical Assistant
Jillian
Clinical Assistant

Jillian is a Chick-Fil-A fan. When not enjoying her meals, she explores the outdoors, creates art, and adventures with her Australian Shepherd.

At Work

Jilli brings extensive experience in the orthodontic field. She is soft-spoken yet has the kindest personality and shows great passion when working with patients in the clinic.

Jillian Clinical Assistant
Alexus
Clinical Assistant

Certified chatterbox and queen of dad jokes, Alexus is known for her love of nature, cheesy puns, and contagious laughter—especially at her own jokes! She’s a firm believer that a good laugh is one of life’s best medicines.

At Work

Alexus brings valuable experience to our team and a heart full of care for every patient she meets. Always smiling, laughing, and radiating positivity, her joyful energy helps create a cheerful and comforting atmosphere the moment you walk through our doors.

Highly recommend Bates Ortho. My whole family loves them.
DAVID BLANCHARD

Bates Orthodontics is the absolute best! We are beyond pleased.
NICOLE UKROP

Dr. Bates and his team made the process incredibly easy. I love my new smile!
LIZ THOMSON

Dr. Bates and staff are committed to both patient care and overall experience.
TREMETRIS HARRELL

Everyone is so kind and happy. It's like a little family and I just love them!
ALEXIS DADDIO

Scout, Our Therapy Dog

Don’t let Scout’s resting sad face fool you, she loves her job. Scout is here to make your experience in our office even more enjoyable. A bit nervous? She is here to help!

Scout
Scout
Scout

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