Doctor Gaines was born 7-14-52 in Burke County, GA. His family moved to Augusta when he was only 3 years old. He attended public schools in Augusta from first to twelfth grade. He graduated from T.W. Josey High School in June of 1970. After high school, he enrolled at North Carolina A & T State University. He graduated in May of 1975. After graduation, he enrolled at the Medical College of Georgia Dental School and graduated September, 1978. He then opened his private practice of family dentistry and has been in operation for 28 years.