Meet the Team
We recognize that all our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stress-free, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice.
We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.
Stacy A.
Office Administrator
I have 27 years of experience in the dental field; more than 20 years have been with Dr. Bates. I initially joined the practice as a dental assistant and transitioned into office manager more than five years ago.
I value each and every relationship with all of our patients. My ultimate goal is to ensure that each person receives the best dental care, as well as the best experience within our practice. I manage all aspects of the practice to ensure everything runs smoothly.
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and traveling to Florida.
Catherine
Registered Dental Hygienist
I enjoy the relationships that I develop with my patients and I like being a part of a team that helps people develop healthier smiles. As a hygienist, my job entails not only cleaning and caring for patients’ teeth, but educating patients about the role oral hygiene plays in their dental, physical, and nutritional health.
I’ve worked in the dental field since 1977, starting as a dental assistant and then completing a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene. I have been fortunate to work with Dr. Bates and this great team since 2000 and I am also excited to be working now with Dr. Thatch.
Outside of work, I like to spend time socializing with friends and family. My husband and I have been married for 34 years and we have two grown children.
Shannon
Registered Dental Hygienist
By far, I couldn’t imagine myself doing any other profession than dental hygiene. It fulfills me to know that I am helping someone with their oral health as well as their overall health. I love working with my hands, and this profession surprises me all the time despite having more than 13 years of experience.
Although raised in Prince George County, I currently live in Colonial Heights with my husband, two teenage bonus daughters, and my young son. I attended Old Dominion University where I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene.
My patients are truly what keep me going in this profession. Some of them have become like a second family to me and I am truly so thankful for their trust in me as a professional and also as a friend.
In my time away from work, I enjoy traveling, painting, and being with my family and friends. I look forward to the next years with the Bates/Thatch team and getting to know more about this profession and my patients!
Tracy
Registered Dental Hygienist
I enjoy working for Dr. Bates and Dr. Thatch as a hygienist and helping patients with their dental concerns and oral hygiene. I graduated from Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene, located in Boston, and moved to Virginia from Austin, Texas more than five years ago.
In my free time, I enjoy doing home improvements, working in my yard, and taking care of my four chickens, two dogs, and lovely cat. I also enjoy traveling with my husband to visit our children and four grandchildren.
Stacie B.
Dental Assistant
I like getting to know our patients and helping each feel at ease with their dental experience. A happy smile at the end of a procedure makes my day! I assist Dr. Bates and Dr. Thatch with numerous clinical procedures, to help patients get and maintain the smile they want.
My experience in the dental field started in 1983 and I joined this practice in 1990. Dr. Bates and Dr. Thatch are very kind and caring dentists, and our team is a group of compassionate people who love helping others.
Outside of work, I enjoy time with family and friends, and I love cooking and gardening. My husband Ricky and I have been married for more than 36 years. We have three children and three grandchildren.
Dakota
Dental Assistant
I enjoy doing dentistry and giving people their confidence back by giving them a new smile. I have been with Dr. Bates for more than four years. I assist Dr. Bates and Dr. Thatch chairside, when needed. I primarily work as the front desk administrative assistant, helping patients with their insurance and scheduling needs.
I am married, have two children, and have an orange tabby and a Chocolate Lab. In my free time, I enjoy going to Virginia Tech sporting events with my husband Blake and spending time with my children.
Karleigh
Dental Assistant
I enjoy getting to know our patients and helping each patient feel comfortable in the dental chair. I believe a good experience at the dentist can truly make a difference. It makes my day when my patient leaves happy! I assist Dr. Bates and Dr. Thatch with numerous clinical procedures, while supporting our patients.
I have been practicing dentistry since 2019. I received my certification in dental assisting in 2021 from Chesterfield Technical Center. I am actively working on my associate’s degree in science with hopes of furthering my dental career as a dentist.
I am a dog mom to my Chinese Shar Pei, Titan.
Laura
Dental Assistant
Every day I enjoy coming to work to assist Dr. Bates and Dr. Thatch in numerous dental procedures. I love making each patient feel comfortable and educated on each procedure. Every patient is unique, and to me, they are not only a patient but a friend that I treat as family.
I have been in the dental field since 2012. I graduated from the Chesterfield Technical Center in 2015 and have been licensed with the Dental Assisting National Board since 2016. I love to learn something new every day. I have been a part of Dr. Bates’s dental team since February 2022, and it’s the warmest, most welcoming dental practice I have ever experienced.
Outside of dentistry, I enjoy spending time with my young daughter and my calico cat named Bootsie, as well as spending time and socializing with friends and family. I enjoy traveling to the beach, walking, and running, and I am an active member of The Heights Baptist Church.
