Dr. Paula Coates

Paula L. Coates, DDS, MS

Board of Directors, Virginia Dental Association Foundation

Dr. Paula L. Coates is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American College of Dentists and Pierre Fauchard Academy.

Born in Washington, D.C. and reared in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Dr. Coates knew she wanted to be a dentist since the age of fourteen. Her academic path began at Duke University in Durham, NC. Then, she earned her dental degree from Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry in Nashville, TN.

A love of working with children led Dr. Coates to continue her studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago where she completed specialty training in Pediatric Dentistry. During her time there, she gained a great deal of experience working with children of all ages, especially those with special health care needs. During her residency, Dr. Coates worked on and later earned her Masters of Science degree. Since completing her residency program, Dr. Coates has provided oral health care to children in the states of Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia. In August of 2021, she joined the Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of Dentistry where she currently serves as an Assistant Professor. Since joining the faculty at VCU School of Dentistry, she has participated in several leadership development programs including the 2023-2024 ADEA Emerging Leaders Program and the 2024 VCU Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute.

In her spare time, Dr. Coates volunteers many hours with organized dental/health and community service organizations. She has served in leadership positions at the local, state and national levels of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation, and National Dental Association. She was the first African American Woman elected to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (2016-2019). In addition, Dr. Coates is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The James River Valley (VA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.