Willard Hankins Jr, DDS

Dr Hankins has been my dentist since 1998 and my husband’s for the last several years. He has done cosmetic work as well a general dentistry for us. He and the office staff have always been very professional. I trust his work and advice.

This review has been a long time waiting. I wanted to sit on it for a while to get a true experience before I wrote one.
I loathe going to the dentist with the passion. The only memories I have of the dentist growing up was discomfort, pain and anxiety attacks. I feared for my own children one day (I have a 5 and an 8 year old now). I’ve taken them to a dentist in OC, but it’s quite a drive and it was an ordeal every time. (Cavities, local anasthesia, etc…) I wanted to find a local dentist and found Dr. Hankin’s office through a Living Social deal. I didn’t have dental insurance for a short time so I thought I’d try it.
Rosie, was my dental hygienist who did a deep cleaning for me and I have to say that she was very attentive to my needs. When she saw me tense up during one of our deep cleaning sessions, she suggested that we take a break and let me get up and shake it off to get my mind off of it. She never made me feel rushed. During the cleanings, she walked me through everything that she was doing. I felt very comfortable with her. The staff was very nice and very accommodating.
Well, after my deep cleaning, I had some gum soreness and sensitivity, and was unsure of why. I also thought that the base of my teeth, where my gums meet, felt like so much of it was scraped off during the deep cleaning. In other words, the roots of my teeth felt uneven and not smooth. Was it the staff’s fault or was it a normal thing? Remember, I have had some negative experiences of the dentist all of my life. Of course, Dr. Hankins’ office told me that it is common to have some gum soreness and sensitivity and a little residual pain after a deep cleaning because they have to really get down and deep into your gums to get all the build up. I wasn’t going to take their word for it so I got a 2^nd opinion from another dentist, who I read some positive reviews. I later got confirmation from this other dentist that it was natural to have some soreness after a deep cleaning and that the base of my teeth were fine. However, I felt with this dentist, that I did not get the same thoroughness and attentiveness as I felt at Dr. Hankins office. Plus, it was very difficult to get an appointment at that other office, due to their very small windows of hours of operation. And, when I asked the receptionist at the other dentist’s office if they were able to treat children, I had to wait for a call back so that she could ask her dentist if they did. Even though she said she was new, she should have known this answer. When I got the call back from her to tell me that her dentist did treat children, I ask in what manner would they be accommodating to children to make them comfortable, she told me that she’d have to call me back to get the answer. This, she should have known the answer as well. That’s too bad because they had the opportunity to gain my trust.
With Dr. Hankins office, I found it very easy to get a person on the phone to make an appointment and to get answers on whether or not they were able to treat kids and make them feel comfortable. The staff was fully educated and gave me an explanation that I felt comfortable with. I went ahead and scheduled an appointment for both of my kids.
Both kids went in at the same time on the same day. They allowed me to go to their rooms while they were taking the x-​rays. For the other procedures for my son (more cavities), I was instructed to wait in the waiting room. I was very nervous waiting there. But, to my AMAZEMENT, both kids came out smiling. The staff made both of my kids feel comfortable and at ease. My 5 year old daughter enjoyed the whole experience and said she wants to go back. It also helped that they both got a little goody bag (toothbrush and toothpaste) after their cleaning. :)
My son had 4 cavities taken out in 2 different days. When he had to go back for the 2^nd round, he asked if he’d have the same Dr., which was Dr. Hankins because he liked him and that Dr. Hankins was very gentle with him. :)
I had a cleaning a month later by Dr. Hankins himself and now I personally know what the kids were talking about. I was very impressed by how thorough he was with my cleaning and he was very gentle.
I give Dr. Hankins and his staff 5 stars because my kids actually LIKE going to the dentist!!! I NEVER would have imagined that this could be true!

I have nothing but great things to say about Dr. Hankins and his practice. The office is great. It is walking distance to my house. The staff is very nice. There are TVs in the exam rooms as well as a nice greenbelt-​ish area to look at through the glass walls. The waiting room even has an aquarium. I’ve been to 4 dentists over the past few years for my routine check ups and cleanings. If I don’t like you, I don’t go back. I was so happy to finally find a dentist that was great. Alas, my new health care plan does not have Dr. Hankins as a provider so I am once again on the hunt for a good dentist. I at least had to leave a 5 star rating here on Unilocal as a thank for the great service. Our relationship was short, but it was as good as gets for me with a dentist. Keep up the good work!

Dr. Hankins not only is a great professional he’s a great guy! My whole family goes to him. Glad to have him back!

I’m a big chicken and had not seen a dentist since I was 13 before I was finally forced to find one because one of my back molars broke (I was 28). Mr grandma recommended Dr. Hankin. He pulled her teeth and did her dentures. She couldn’t say enough nice things about him and that is rare. My grandma was a picky lady.
I made an appointment and went in to see him. He told me I needed two root canals. One obviously right away on the broken molar and one soon on the opposite molar. Both had ceramic filings that had eventually needed to be replaced but my chickenness prevented me from seeing a dentist in time. Both teeth actually had small holes in them!
The first root canal didn’t take as long as I thought it would and I only needed one vicodin pill after the anesthesia wore off. I actually didn’t need pain killers after that one vicodin. The next root canal and tooth filling went very similarly.
He told me that my wisdom teeth would need to come out but of course I put that off, too, until they became infected. Since mine grew in straight they were easier to pull. After a week of panic attacks at the idea of pulling three teeth at once, since apparently I’m a freak and only 3 grew in, the day came for the procedure. Luckily it was very quick and painless. My mom drove me home afterwards then proceeded to take her time picking up the pain pills so the pain I felt after the anesthesia wore off is not something I’d wish on anyone. But that wasn’t the great doc’s fault. I think that was my mom’s subconscious paying me back for child labor.
All in all he is a wonderful and caring dentist! And his staff is just as good. They’ve worked with me when I’ve exceeded my insurance coverage which has been really helpful. I’ve recommended him to two of my coworkers and my boss and they all love him. One even lives in Temecula but she likes him and his staff enough to drive in twice a year. She says not only is he great but much cheaper than her original dentist.

Dr Hankins and his staff are great! I hope they come back to Santa Fe Springs area soon!
I am a very scared patient and they understand are extremely gentle.

I have been going to Dr. Hankins for 16 years and cannot even imagine having to go to someone else. In fact he has been out for several months and although his replacment has been very good I miss him as he is so gentle and has never left me in pain. I am a real chicken when it comes to dental work and he has done root canals, caps, cavaties, cleaning and even a vaneer. He is not a «jokster», but is very friendly and he is very fast. I have never waited longer than fifteen minutes in the office and even when he extracted wisdom teeth I have not been in the chair longer than an hour or so… His front desk receptionist Joanne who was with him for a long time is now gone (bummer), but Sonia the new gal is very professional and nice she definately get’s the job done. Honestly if you need dental work try Dr. Hankins…

I disagree with all of these bad posts. Every single staff member was friendly, from the receptionist to the technician to the dentist. And Rosie is just an absolute joy to have clean your teeth! I really appreciate good service. It completely makes my day. Thanks to all the staff!

Dr. Hankins did a bridge for me that broke 3 times and took months to finally get right. The staff is NOT friendly, customer service is horrible and they make you wait even when you have an appointment. Lastly, Dr. h has horrible bedside manners. I would not recommend this dentist… save yourself time and frustration… go somewhere else because the quality of the materials they use is not good obviously if my bridge kept breaking,

My family has been using Dr. Hankins’ office for years. He’s great with my wife and I… and he’s the only one we let work on our youngest daughter. Very soothing and knows how to make the shots not hurt so much!!!

After reading the negative reviews posted here, I felt compelled to write this. I find it hard to believe that these individuals visited the same office that I have been going to for the last year. I have found Dr. Hankins and his entire staff to be professional, caring, competent and highly ethical. After reviewing my x-​rays during my first visit, Dr. Hankins advised me that I did not need any of the very expensive dental work that my previous dentist had recommended. Thanks to Dr. Hankins’ honesty and integrity, I avoided a significant expense (and significant discomfort). His staff is similarly caring and professional. Everyone in the office from the receptionist to the dental hygienists are first rate. I have been pleased by the level of service I have received and my smile has never looked better. Thank you Dr. Hankins and Staff!

After a rather disappointing experience a few months earlier with another dentist, I went to Dr. Hankins. I have had problem teeth since I was a child and despite having much work done, I have lost teeth. On my first visit I was impressed with the friendly office staff and the sparkling clean and beautifully decorated cubicles and lovely aquarium. Dr. Hankins is the decorator and could be a professional one. The doctor did take time with me and checked to see I had no urgent problems. He has a very patient demeanor and spent time explaining my x-​rays. He did have a woman, I believe she was an intern, do a partial cleaning which was fine with me. I need all the help I can get, and she did do a thorough job on a problem area. I did pay cash for this, as I was told to. On my second visit I got an appointment within a few days, as I was experiencing pain and did not want to delay. However, Dr. Hankins did carefully study the x-​ray of the painful area and told me he found no dental problems there. I have had chronic sinus problems and at times my pain imitates a toothache although it is the sinuses giving problems, and that was the case here. I had a cleaning on the next appointment with his hygienist, Rosie, who is very good, thorough and honest. As yet I have not had to have actual dentistry done, but I would if the need arises.

We found dr Hankins on living social and bought the cleaning deal. The staff was really kind, we got in and out fast. Dr Hankins is very nice and we felt great there.
My kids had a great experience and arnt nervous to go to dentist anymore. The prices are fair too– not overpriced.
Very happy. Plan to go back every 6 mo

I was referred with a Groupon. They respected my wishes to pass on an x-​ray since I recently had one. Dr. Hankins is friendly and has a calm voice and disposition. The receptionist was friendly and the certified dental assistant did a good job on the polish and cared about her performance. I don’t have kids, but there are video games and a large colorful fish tank in the waiting room, which is a nice touch.
Overall opinion… a nice family-​friendly dentist’s office.
**I would not usually think to review my denist, but I feel compelled to due to the other negative reviews.

I took my son to Dr. Hankins for a cleaning. The entire staff is very friendly and professional. I highly recommend this office to all!

I don’t understand the poor review dr. Hankins received. I have referred many of my friends to dr. Hankins and they have only told me thank you! He is a true professional. He explains everything he is doing and listens to all your concerns. Plus he is pain free! Amazing!
After looking at the poor reviewer’s profile, it looks like she had seen 2 other dentists that also «misdiagnosed» her? Unfortunately there are always problem clients in any industry that are never satisfied. In the end the reviewer was happy with training dental students? It sounds like she didn’t want to pay full price for quality dentistry.

I do not recommend this dentist. I went in for a check up, as I recently got insurance and I knew I would have a few cavities. I got 3 teeth filled, and a cleaning. All 3 teeth now need to have root canals, and I’ve had to deal with an abscess, that DR Hankins misdiagnosed– even after I expressed concern that I thought that’s what it might be.
The receptionist is not very friendly either. Seems like you’ve inconvenienced her to ask for an appointment, or God forbid, ask a question about the charges. And, when dealing with my abscess she told me an appointment would not be necessary. I got in only after explaining that I NEEDED to be seen as the ER doctor I went to (because of the pain I was in) highly recommend I be seen by my dentist. Again, their office did not correctly diagnose me (2^nd time I went to their office for the same issue). Due to the misdiagnosis, I went through a month of pain, surgery on my face, and now will have 3 root canals and a possible extraction. Most of which would have been prevented should I have received a correct diagnosis and the infection did not get a chance to spread.
If you are on this website, chances are, you’re looking for a dentist with good reviews, and/​or someone who can treat your personal issues correctly. This is not your guy. If you value your teeth, not being in pain, and professionalism, choose otherwise.

I cannot write a review for Dr. Hankins as he was not in when I went. The dentist I saw was very nice. However, she was the one who cleaned my teeth and when it came to polishing them, they had their new intern do it. I was not please about being the guinea pig and she didn’t even get the front of my teeth. My husband was in the other room, and waited for an hour before the dentist went in to see him. She said he had two cavities and would need to make an appointment to come back. He didn’t even get his teeth cleaned! Yikes, don’t know what is going on with this place, but we are never going back!

I’ve been going here a couple of years now, ever since a referral from 1−800-DENTIST brought me back into the dentist’s chair after a 7-​year hiatus. I was kind of nervous, as most people are about going to the dentist, but this place is a «Gentle Dental» branded office and actually lives up to the name.
Dr. Hankins is a really droll but soft spoken kind of guy who won’t talk your ear off. I like that. I also like that he shot me up with so much Novocaine when I got all four wisdom teeth pulled (because I couldn’t afford laughing gas) that I literally did not feel a thing. He actually cares that you are comfortable when he works on you, and really listens when you indicate that you are in pain.
The rest of the office staff is great, as well. I’m so glad that they switched to digital x-​rays to check for cavities because the old-​school film x-​rays are too big for my mouth and always give me trouble: I have a sensitive gag reflex and once threw up on myself during a traditional film x-​ray here, true story D: The digital x-​rays are great though; I rarely have any problems, and they’re over a lot more quickly. The hygienist is also the sweetest little lady ever. Very friendly and cheerful. Unlike Dr. Hankins, she will talk your ear off, but in a good way.
One star off for the long wait times, but that’s typical of every dentist office I’ve ever visited. Other than that, I would highly recommend Dr. Hankin’s office. I actually enjoy going to the dentist here! (What an odd thing to admit.)