About Your Dentist

Dr. Bates is a native of Columbus, Ohio and attended St. Charles Preparatory High School. Upon his graduation, he attended Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Dr. Bates continued his education at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, Tennessee in which he earned a Health Professions Scholarship from the United States Air Force and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the USAF dental corps. Dr. Bates graduated from Meharry Medical College with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After his graduation, Dr. Bates became a Captain in the United States Air Force and completed post-doctoral training in Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in Biloxi, Mississippi. In the residency, Dr. Bates received advanced training in all aspects of dentistry to include IV conscious sedation, Oral surgery training, endodontic training, prosthodontic training and dental forensic training.

He then honorably served at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama as a dentist for an additional three years serving all branches of service. Dr. Bates then moved back to the Columbus, Ohio area where he has practiced since 2005. Dr. Bates completed an implant residency, is an active member of the American Dental Association, and enjoys all aspects of dentistry.

Dr. Bates is married to Shonna Bates and has two children Aleigha 23, Journey 6 years old. They currently reside in the Nokomis area and have become active members in the community.

 A native Floridian, Dr. Rachel Courson grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. After high school, she moved to Phoenix, Arizona where she earned her Associate of Science degree. Dr. Courson went on to further her studies in Flagstaff, Arizona where she graduated with her Bachelors in Biomedical Science with honors from Northern Arizona University. She then successfully completed her studies at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Bradenton, Florida earning her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.

Dr. Courson can confidently provide comprehensive care including cosmetic dentistry, extractions, dentures, and other restorative procedures. She and her experienced team take pride in providing patients with the information necessary to make the best decisions regarding their dental health. A continual learner, Dr. Courson is passionate about keeping current with the latest in dental technology and new techniques in dentistry. She is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, American Dental Association, and Florida Dental Association. Dr. Courson hopes to help each of her patients achieve optimized oral health and overall wellbeing by providing individualized treatment in a nonjudgmental, comfortable, and professional setting.

After hours, Dr. Courson can be found hanging out at the beach, riding her jet skis, and finding ways to stay active in the community. She currently resides in Venice with her boyfriend, two dogs, and two cats. "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou