From the time I was 16 years old I knew I wanted to become a dentist. I was intrigued watching my own dentist masterfully combine the art and science of dentistry. I quickly set my sights on this career path.

I love dentistry and I take great pride in providing the highest quality of dentistry in a gentle and caring manner. I particularly enjoy creating beautiful smiles by straightening teeth. I strive to work collaboratively with each patient because individualized treatment and hygienic education lead to healthy, straight teeth, which produce the most dazzling smiles.

I earned my Doctorate of Medicine in Dentistry at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine. I am also a certified Invisalign provider and I find great satisfaction in straightening and improving smiles by utilizing a variety of dental techniques.

I am a native of Las Vegas and I truly relish the daily opportunity to serve my fellow Nevadans. I have been married to my lovely wife Mandy for over nine years and we have one son who was born on my very last day of dental school. I couldn't have asked for a better graduation gift!

Miss Congeniality. Afton is our very own Ms. Congeniality, bringing a warm and caring spirit to our office and team. She takes a personal interest in all her patients, and giving them the best care is her priority. Afton graduated from the Dental Hygiene program at College of Southern Nevada in 2007 here in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is also the proud mother of two Pomeranian/Yorkie mix fur babies Marshall and Teddy. Afton is known for her love of all types of food, traveling internationally, and spending time with her amazing friends and family.

Astonishing Wealth of Experience. Monica is a native of Las Vegas - and proud of it! She loves the desert and life in our beautiful southwestern city. Monica has been with our office as Treatment Coordinator since 1984 - she celebrated her 35th anniversary with our office this year!! Her level of skill and knowledge is hard to come by in the world of dentistry today. We are so fortunate to have her in our office. Monica loves animals and enjoys hiking, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

Originally from Arizona, Kim made Las Vegas her permanent home in 1995. She has had 30 years of experience in the dental field. There probably isn't a dental question you could ask that she won't know the answer to. She is a nationally recognized expert on Care Credit and Invisalign, and has personally trained dozens of offices. Kim joined Doctor Gates' staff in 1995, and will most likely be the friendly face you see when we treatment plant your case. She and her husband enjoy golf and spending time with their two beautiful daughters and two granddaughters.

Our Southern Belle. Tina has served in the dental field since 1998. She joined Dr. Gates' team as a Treatment Coordinator in May of 2007. Tina is a gifted treatment coordinator with lots of personality, and will make you feel extremely comfortable. Tina moved to the Las Vegas area in 2003. She and her husband have one child. They enjoy spending lots of family time together. They also enjoy traveling back to Alabama to spend time with her family.

Elite Personal Service. Michele grew up in Vermont and Ohio and later lived in Hawaii, but joined Dr. Gates' dental team in 1999 when she moved to Las Vegas. After 15 years as a chair-side assistant, she has taken over the front desk portion in our office. Michele's in-depth knowledge of dentistry makes it possible for her to answer nearly all dentistry-related questions when you call in. She's seen it all! Michele and her husband enjoy camping, traveling, hiking and cooking.

World traveler. Stephanie was born and raised in California but moved to Las Vegas just 4 years ago. She has been in the dental field for 15 years. She is passionate about those beautiful smiles were creating in the back. She has lived in Argentina, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic. Stephanie has 2 children. She loves the outdoors, hiking, camping, music and getting down and dirty while working on cars.

Born and raised in Maryland, she lived in New York and California before finally ending up in Nevada ten years ago. She has two sons and a cat named Lucky. Krista enjoys music, going to concerts, and the outdoors. Her favorite place is sitting outback on her patio at night and enjoying the sounds of the birds chirping. She has a big heart for people and really cares about helping others. Krista is very happy to have joined the Center for Cosmetic and Family Dentistry team. She cant wait to meet you.