Had a very nice experience! A great place to go if you are nervous about the dentist. Everyone is patient, gentle, and professional

Always had a fear of the dentist but Dr. Hankins is so kind and gentle l, he has amazing bedside manners and makes you feel calm (as I could be) and safe. Definitely recommend read more

Had my first appointment with Dr. Hankins today. I am a new patient and I was in some discomfort so they saw me immediately. I met Irma, Saria and Dr. Hankins and all were friendly, patient, knowledgeable and professional. I selected the office through Yelp reviews and found everything positive that had been said was true. Additionally, Dr. Hankins took the time to thoroughly explain the "why and what" of my necessary treatment. The atmosphere was welcoming and relaxed and I look forward to continuing with them. read more

I've been coming here for a couple years now and I love how gentle and caring they are with you and your teeth

I have to say Dr. Hankins is the best dentist I've ever had and I'm 62. He cares about his patients and he's very gentle. Needless to say, I'm still a baby and I need gas before I even get Novacaine shot and I still do get anxiety but he totally makes me feel relaxed. read more

I am not fond of the dentist chair and struggle to stay on top of cleanings etc... This means dentists tend to be a bit patronizing when I go in for check ups. Oh it looks like you haven't been getting your teeth cleaned. Do you know how to floss? To my mind its like... "you want to stick power tools inside my mouth and charge me a lot of money for it. Why would I voluntarily come here? And of course I know how to floss, what do I look like a 12 year old?" But I've had a couple dental emergencies when teeth got infected and for the last few years I have been going exclusively to Dr. Hankins. He did my first root canal... I was pretty much terrified but besides being a fairly long procedure he did it pain free. Since then he has done 3 cavities and his hygienist has done a cleaning and will probably do another deep cleaning here in the future. Why I recommend him is because he treats you like an adult. He isn't there to chide you or admonish you for whatever. If you have a problem, he will help you fix it. If he sees something he will let you know and show it to you on x-rays and explain the problem clearly. They show you costs ahead of time, their prices are fair (I have gotten quotes from others) and they don't recommend anything that isn't necessary. When you have an appt. You don't get pawned off on some assistant and wait around for an hour. Doctor Hankins is with you promptly and does the procedure himself. He may step out for 5 minutes while the novicaine is kicking in but he will see the procedure through from start to finish. I have been to other, shinier 'open concept' dentist offices that are very posh with lots of assistants and I do not jest had a root canal completed over 3 appointments because that dentist will only sit with you for 10 mins tops and the cost of that root canal was nearly $1K more than Dr. Hankins charged. Not too mention it ended up causing some of the most excruciating pain I have ever experienced in my life. Dr. Hankins does quality work for fair prices and does not force you onto this endless treatment regime. He treats you like an adult. Professional, Honest and Fair. read more

We've been coming to Dr. Hankins for 3 years now. We first started with my toddlers check up, Dr. Hankins WAS SO GOOD! He relieved my anxiety, was so gentle with my daughter, and best of all he was so good with her. I can't thank him enough for his gentleness. HIGHLY recommend for the whole family. Cherry on top, they take TRI-Care! read more

My entire family has been coming to this office for over 10 years. Dr. Hankins is so professional and courteous. The staff are friendly, and really treat you with respect. They work with your calendar and they don't try to oversell you on stuff you don't need. read more

Really friendly staff and Dr. Hankins is incredibly knowledgeable and patient - I always ask him a lot of questions and he takes his time to explain everything and offer honest advice. The dental hygienist does a great job too - I drink a ton of coffee but I always leave looking like I have a brand new set of chompers! read more

1 star. I've been a patient at Hankins for 14 years and was told to find another dentist and that I was no longer welcomed to the office due to a missed appointment. This message was not delivered to me by the receptionist or Dr. Hankins himself , his rude disrespectful wife NORMA HANKINS decided to inform me of this decision. I missed my root canal appointment due to an emergency surgery to stop internal bleeding, and after telling her of the occurrence she went on to debate how Important it was to her that I missed my appointment and had a fee to pay. $50 for a rescheduling fee, I didn't mind paying "to be on a waiting list util MAY as they are waiting to be reaccredited" as it was true, I did miss my appointment and was responsible for paying the fee, I know the rules I've been a patient there for 14 YEARS ! I didn't mind i even tried to pay with the receptionist but she didn't allow it. Over the 14 years she has rubbed every referral wrong I've sent to them (16 referrals) including my very own parents. JUST DONT GO. I stayed to "support" black businesses but 14 years is long enough to learn customer service she is just deeply rooted in her rude ways. It's ridiculous read more

DO NOT GO HERE IVE BEEN IN PAIN FOR OVER TWO WEEKS NOW THE WORST PAIN IVE EVER EXPERIENCED!!!! This April I made an appointment at this dental office just for a routine exam. They did a cleaning and took X-rays. First off Dr. Hankins checks my teeth and says you "don't have any cavities." But later after one of the ladies cleans my teeth they then schedule me for a cavity filling. I also noticed that Dr. Hankins has a very unprofessional attitude like a very shitty/shady first impression. Ask him a question and see how we answers. He's like a "mmm mmm I don't know about you" he has a roll his eyes type of attitude and I saw this when I first greeted him. I get the filling work done and first off let me just say Dr. Hankins did not give me enough of the numbing shot. SMH ‍ I've had so many off these shots when I was young from fillings, braces and root canals, and although they hurt at first it usually wears off entirely because the numbing solution is enough to completely numb the entire area cheek/face, gums etc. While they were working on my filling I started to feel my cheek tingle and the numbing shot wearing off already!! So I felt more pain than I was suppose to!! I see other reviews that say "Dr. Hankins is so gentle" and I'm like really? He's so gentle he didn't give me enough of the pain shot that I literally had to feel all the pain on his "gentle" work?! WTF??! So then while he started filling the cavity I felt an EXCRUCIATING BURNING PAIN!! That was literally from the composite filling touching my nerve in my tooth!!!! I thought to myself well maybe because he didn't give me enough numbing solution/shot I felt it and wasn't suppose to?! I gave him the benefit of a doubt because that's the type of person I am. I then took a bite to eat 4 hours later way after the numbing solution wore off. It hurt Just to bite down!! I had a right back molar done. I called his office back around 5p right before they closed to alert them of this abnormal pain I was feeling. The lady at the front desk told me I might need it adjusted but that they're closed Friday (I had this done 4/25/19 Thursday) so she scheduled me for Monday morning) When I went in Monday I told Dr. Hankins about my pain. Especially about that it was a sharp pain (not just "tooth sensitivity") I learn about body language and communication techniques, Dr. Hankins body language REEKS off "I don't want to see you. I don't give a fuck about you. Why are you here? You need to just go home I don't care what you say the work I did is enough and if it isn't enough I don't care deal with it." All he did was file or smooth down a part of my tooth that he thought needed "adjustment" for me to have a better bite while I eat thinking that's why I had pain. Did the pain get better? NO!! IT GOT WORSE A 10/10 PAIN!! I called his office again Wednesday and they told me to come in Thursday. I kept researching online the symptoms I was experiencing after a filling and basically I learned that I may have had "irreversible nerve damage" called "pulpitis" and that if that happens you would then need a "root canal." I was like thinking to myself why hasn't Dr. Hankins suggested this as an option to me? I was confused. Thursday morning (one whole week later!!!) I visit Dr. Hankins. I didn't tell him about what I researched on google because I wanted to see if he would come up with that diagnoses or solution. And he didnt. He took X-rays and filed down again to make sure the alignment was right and that was it. I asked him is everything ok on the X-rays and my teeth? He said yes everything is fine. I asked him will this sharp nerve pain go away? I could tell he thought I was crazy or like one of those "complaining patients" His response was "I can't promise that the pain will go away 100% but everything I checked is fine." Basically saying GO F YOURSELF AND TOLERATE THE PAIN FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE BECAUSE I AM AN UNCARING DENTIST WITH NO EMPATHY TO PATIENTS WHO I THINK ARE "COMPLAINERS" So I take more pain meds later that day thinking Okay well, maybe I just need the nerve to heal? Friday morning I wake up with a 100/10 pain stabbing dull throbbing every type of pain in my right head. Again from my tooth to my skull my right ear behind my right eye and now to my throat!! I started to literally cry like a baby. My husband had to look on yelp for another dentist because we needed a second opinion. Luckily we found another dentist Dr. Tang also in Long Beach that accepted my insurance And said "it sounds like you may have pulpitis and there's no other solution but a root canal the pain will not go away unless you get a root canal where we take out the nerve." WTF??!?!! STAY AWAY FROM THIS DENTAL OFFICE IF YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE DONE BESIDES A ROUTINE GENERAL CLEANING. Dr. Hankins needs to be re-licensed on his basic dentistry knowledge AND/or needs to have an attitude intervention on his anti social/no empathatic patient approach. read more

Someone I trust takes his kids here. Since he trusts this dentist with his kids I decided to try. From the very first phone call I had all my questions answered in a polite manner. The wait time is short and the front office staff are welcoming. The xray technician was very personable and made me feel at ease. The Dr. actually sits and talks to you about your diagnosis and treatment options. I didn't feel like a number. The office is clean and sanitary. I am also a cash patient and the prices are very reasonable. I was also told I could apply for a insurance and was told all the details about it. I didn't have to go again before writing a review because first impressions are everything. read more

I've been going here for years and I really appreciate that they work with my schedule. Professional, courteous, the entire staff gets along and I feel like I'm part of their family. I wouldn't go anywhere else! read more

When I first walked in Dr. Hankins office I was greeted professionally & treated in a polite manner by office staff . They took me in quickly with little wait time , the dental hygienist Chie did a great job cleaning my teeth and educating me , on how important it is to floss and maintain good oral hygiene. They also took care of my cavities I had that same day . Dr. Hankins did a very good job numbing my tooth , didn't feel no pain at all. Overall I would recommend Dr. Hankins dental office to anyone read more

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 (2nd 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. read more

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.) read more

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. read more

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. read more

Dr. Hankins Jr., DDS has been where I get all my dentistry needs for many years and I couldn't be happier. The staff is professional and friendly. I appreciate the phone calls reminding me of an appt. and they work with my schedule. I can't imagine going anywhere else! read more

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. read more

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. read more

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 read more

With my young family and plenty of personal dental needs, I keep Dr. Hankins busy. From my toddlers' first check up to my emergency abcess, Dr. Hankins has lived up to his "Gentle Dental" slogan. His office is clean and inviting and his bedside manners are comforting and professional. Whether it's his modern, stylish office in Long Beach, or his smaller, intimate neighborhood office in Santa Fe Springs, I always know I am in good hands. Dr. Hankins has been taking care of my teeth for over 15 years, and I must boast that I still get complimented on my bright, white smile! Thanks Doc! read more

Dr Hankins makes me happy to go to the dentist! My first visit, I was extreme pain due to a cracked tooth. My husband called and made an appointment for same day. When I got there the staff was so amazing and nice! Now I have troublesome teeth and get cavities very easily, and my previous dentist was straight from a horror film. So as I sat in the chair I was nervous and very concerned I would need some teeth pulled, but Hankins told me I just needed a root canal. This is my first one, they started with an open medications while we waited for approval, gave me antibiotics and pain meds. My next visit was 2 weeks later to start on my fillings, he did 4 in no time at all. He was extremely gentle both times and when he numbs you boy howdy does he numb you! With the prenumbing stuff he dosent just set in you cheek and leave but he actually rubs it in!! I freak out with needles but he was so calming and really was gentle! I'm so happy my husband found him!! I told my husband how wonderful he is and now my husband wants go too! So I will be booking an appointment for him and our twin daughters for their first visit! Thank you so much Dr Hankins and staff!!! read more

Excellent service. The staff is kind and my appointments went flawless. I did have work done and Dr. Hankins was patient as well as thorough. He did a phenomenal job! I will be coming back and highly recommend this dental team. read more

I've been coming to Dr Hankins for about 10 years. He's soft spoken and direct. He doesn't do fluffy, hand holding dentistry. He tells you what you need to do to keep your teeth. I love his dry wit & ability to garner the respect and attention of my 2 preteen sons. He was recently injured and has a difficult time moving around the office - this shouldn't count against him, this being human thing. Point is, they do a good job here, and they appreciate clients who do their homework and are pro-active about their oral treatment/insurance/upkeep. read more

For the last ten years I've gone to six different dentists. I kept changing because I was never satisfied. Either they were very painful, too expensive, or just unprofessional. For the first time in a VERY VERY long time...I can finally say that I've found an excellent dentist. I suffer from anxiety and I was a little nervous when I first arrived...just like every other dentist that I've seen...but Dr. Hankins really made me feel comfortable and I was so relaxed. Finally, I can stop shopping for a good dentist. If you're looking for a GREAT dentist...I would highly recommend him...you will not be disappointed. read more

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! read more

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...... read more

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 2nd 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 2nd 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! read more

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 Yelp 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! read more

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!!! read more

Affordable, vary attentive to my needs. Explained everything so I understood my options. Very happy with the experience. I also had the deep cleaning And yes I had the shots but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. read more

I went to Dr. Hankins to remove my wisdom teeth. The care was awsome. I did not swell and there was absolutely no pain. I would highley recommend his service to all my family and friends. read more

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! read more

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

Like most people, I have an inherent fear of dentists. Fortunately Dr. Hankins Gentle Dental Care in Long Beach was recommended to me by a friend and I have been going to his offices in long beach (and their Santa Fe Springs office) for the past ten years. I have had braces done, a root canal, wisdom teeth removal (all 4!) & gum surgery as well as routine cleanings & have not experienced anything but the best dental care every time. I have four kids ages 3 to 13 and The dentists at both locations treat every member of my family well. I recommend Dr. Hankins Gentle Dental Care to everyone I know. read more

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 have been going to Dr. Hankins for all my dental care for about 3 years. They have taken care of my cavities, root canals, deep cleanings, and wisdom teeth. Dr. Hankins has incredible care, it is fast and painless. Really is amazing after some past uncomfortable experiences. This office is a relaxing and family oriented place. I highly recommend it to all me co-workers. I have PPO insurance and find their copayments to be competitive and reasonable. read more

I have been going here for over 10 years. This place is amazing. They are really pleasant and caring and you can rely on them to be there in 6 months for your next cleaning. read more