Dr. Brent Hawkins

Dr. Brent Hawkins is an Amarillo Native who graduated from Randall High school, Texas Tech University undergraduate and Baylor College of Dentistry. Dr. Hawkins is proud to live, work, and serve those in the Texas Panhandle since 2004, He is a member of the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association. Locally, he was president of the Panhandle District Dental Society in 2013-2014 and was honored to be nominated for the Texas Academy of General Dentistry New Dentist of the Year in 2012. In 2010 and 2012 he was named to the Top Twenty professionals under the age of 40 by the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Hawkins prides himself in staying at the cutting edge of dental technology while providing a friendly, upbeat and stress-free experience for his patients. “My patients are my biggest professional priority,” Dr. Hawkins said. “I want each one to feel like their health, well-being and friendship are important to me.” Dr. Hawkins also knows a trip to the dentist isn’t at the top of most people’s bucket list. “I try to keep the mood around the office pretty light-hearted,” he said. “I figured being in a dentist’s chair isn’t so bad if I’m able to keep my patients smiling.” When he’s not in the office, Brent spends most of his time with his wife, Hollye, and their four young kids. Brent enjoys coaching his kids in basketball, baseball and football and being the biggest (and most clueless) supporter for ballet and gymnastics. Together, the couple’s goal is to guide their children to be well-adjusted, caring adults ¬- and to keep smiling all along the journey.

Dr. Richard Smith

Dr. Richard Smith has practiced in Amarillo for 47 years. Dr. Smith graduated from West Texas State University (A&M) and the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston. Dr. Smith is a past president of the Panhandle District Dental Society, the Texas Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association Smiles Foundation, and the Texas Chapter of the international College of Dentists. He is a past treasurer of the TDA. He is past chair of the American Dental Association Council on Insurance and Member Retirement. He is currently the Treasurer of the USA Section of the International College of Dentists and President Elect of the International College at Large. He is a fellow of both the American College of Dentists and the International College of Dentists. He and his wife have participated in over sixty dental missions on the state, working with the Smiles Foundation to deliver dental care to those who have no access to any type of dentistry. Dr. Smith and his wife, Jimmie, have been married for 52 years and have to daughters and five grandchildren.

Dr. Mark Hassinger

Dr. Mark Hassinger is an Amarillo native who graduated from Tascosa High School. He received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University and graduated with honors from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston in 1978. Dr. Hassinger was an instructor for a short time at the Dental Branch in Houston, where he was honored for advancements in the Science of Restoration Dentistry by the South West Academy of Restoration Dentistry. He started his private practice in Amarillo and has practiced for 42 years here in Amarillo. Dr. Hassinger believes dentistry is stressful for most people and one of our objectives is to reduce the stress while doing quality dentistry. When Dr. Hassinger is not working, he enjoys spending time with his wife of 33 years, Jan. They enjoy gardening and designing and building furniture.

Dr. David Duncan

Dr. David Duncan is an Amarillo native who graduated from Amarillo High School. Dr. Duncan received his undergraduate degree from West Texas State University and his dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1989. He started his practice here in Amarillo that same year. Dr. Duncan is a past president of the Panhandle District Dental Society, and president of the Texas Dental Association in 2013-2014. He is a fellow in the American College of Dentists and International College of Dentists. In 1999, Dr. Duncan was named Texas New Dentist of the year and has been nominated for the Texas Dentist of the year 3 times. He is currently serving on the Texas Dental Association’s Council on Legislative and Regulatory Affairs. When Dr. Duncan isn’t working, he spends most of his time advocating for patients and dentists in both Texas and the US.

Amanda – Dental Assistant

My name is Amanda, I am a Dental Assistant at Hawkins Dental Group. I have worked for Dr. Hawkins for about 5 years now. I graduated the Dental Assisting program at Amarillo College in 2012. Dr. Hawkins hired me right out of school and this is where I have been ever since. I love my job and our hard-working staff. I have enjoyed getting to know each of our wonderful patients. I have always had an interest in dentistry and have enjoyed all I have learned. I look forward to learning more and more every day. I was born and raised in Borger, TX until I was about 12. My family moved to Amarillo, where I graduated high school and started college at Amarillo College. Like any freshman in college I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. Finally, I found my calling in dentistry. I have a wonderful 9-year-old son, Tommy. He is very active so of course that keeps me active. I am engaged to a wonderful man, Maurice. He has two kids named Mason and Kinley. I look forward to see where my life journey takes me in my work life and personal life.

Amber – Dental Hygienist

My name is Amber, and I am a Registered Dental Hygienist. I graduated from Amarillo College in 2015 with my Associates degree in Applied Science. After spending my early career in the public utility field, I knew my interest in dental hygiene was genuine and went back to school to pursue this career. I have worked in this field for almost 4 years, first with Dr. David Duncan, then joined Hawkins Dental Group in 2019. I was born and raised in Amarillo and attended Amarillo High School. I really enjoy taking care of my patients and getting to know them. The team at Hawkins Dental Group genuinely cares about our patients – we are focused on helping them be calm and comfortable, as well as their overall health. When I’m not work, I love to travel and see different parts of the country. I’m always up for a new place to hike, run, or explore. I like spending time with family and friends and I adore my nieces and nephews as if they were my own.

Amber – Dental Hygienist

I have practiced dental hygiene under Dr. Hawkins since 2012. I graduated from Amarillo College’s dental hygiene program in 2008 with my Associate of Applied Science degree. I enjoy working in the inviting atmosphere of Hawkins Dental Group with new technology and the professional employees that I am happy to call friends. As your dental hygienist, I will ensure you have the same feeling while having your teeth cleaned. I am proficient in treating gingivitis and periodontal disease, as well as educating you in home care that complies with your needs as an individual. You will love our digital and modern technology that is time-efficient and comfortable. I am excited to meet you and make your teeth and gums as happy and healthy as they should be. The time I spend outside the office is with my two boys, Kelton and Brecken, and I am blessed to share my life the past 11 years with my husband, Bryan. We spend many weekends watching the kids play baseball or tennis, golfing as a family and hiking and camping when we can.

Bethany – Registered Dental Assistant

Hey, y’all! My name is Bethany, and I have been working for Dr. Hawkins since May of 2020. I was blessed with the opportunity to do in-office training here to obtain my RDA license. I have loved every second of working here and getting to know everyone in the office, as well as all of the patients. I would like to go back to school someday to become a dental hygienist, as I have always had an interest and passion for that. I really enjoy getting to work with each of the doctors daily to help fulfill our patients’ needs. I was born and raised here in Amarillo, Texas. I attended Randall High School and graduated in 2018. Outside of work, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my family and friends. There is nothing we enjoy more than going to Colorado and hanging out at the cabin. It is my happy place for sure! I look forward to seeing each of you in the office!

Donna – Dental Hygienist

Donna Murgel RDH, BS graduated from Carroll College in Helena Montana with a Bachelor’s degree in Science. I moved from Montana 18 years ago and have been a practicing Dental Hygienist for 30 plus years. I have worked for Dr. Hassinger, now Hawkins Dental Group, for 20 years since moving to Amarillo. I love my work and all of my patients. I have been married now to my wonderful husband Joe for 32 years, I have two daughters, two granddaughters, one grandson and two son in-laws.

Jamie – Dental Hygienist

My name is Jamie McMann and I have been a dental hygienist since 2010 when I graduated from Amarillo College with an Associate of Applied Science degree. I started my dental hygiene career and Dr. Duncan’s dental practice. I worked for Dr. Duncan from 2010-2018 and then joined Hawkins Dental Group in 2019 when Dr. Duncan joined the group. I earned my Bachelor’s degree at Eastern New Mexico University where I met my future husband, Dallas McMann, who was attending college there as well as playing baseball. Dallas and I got married in 2005 and settled down in Amarillo. We started our family in 2012 when our son Rylan was born followed by our daughter Ellisyn in 2015. We loved living in Amarillo and have made great friends that have become family. I strive to provide quality dental care to my patients while trying to make them feel as comfortable as possible while in the dental chair. I enjoy helping our patients regain and maintain their dental health. When out of work I spend my time with family and friends and spend lots of time watching Rylan follow in his dad’s footsteps playing every sport possible and taking Ellisyn to gymnastics and ballet. I look forward to meeting you at Hawkins Dental Group.

Jessica S. – RDA/ Appointment Coordinator

Hi I’m Jessica Skaggs! I was raised in Clayton, NM, by a rancher and registered nurse. I decided after high school to move to the big city of Amarillo to pursue my Dental career- talk about culture shock. I graduated from Amarillo College Dental Assisting Program in 2010. Soon after, I was hired by Dr. Mark Hassinger as his Registered Dental Assistant/Hygiene Coordinator. I worked for Dr. Hassinger for 5 years at which time Dr. Hassinger merged with Dr. Hawkins practice. I married my high school sweetheart in 2012 and we have made Amarillo our home. We have on energetic, ornery little boy. We are so excited to see what adventures God has planned for our family. I really enjoy my job, all four of our fantastic doctors and caring staff. All four of our doctors are excellent at their jobs and truly care about each patient. I learn new things everyday from them! At Hawkins Dental Group we are on big family and this includes each on of our patients. Each and every one of our patients are very important to us. Come in and let is help you with all of your dental needs and wants. Our staff is very eager to meet you!

Kara – Dental Assistant

Hi! My name is Kara and I am a Dental Assistant at Hawkins Dental Group. I married my best friend Conner in 2018 and we are expecting our first baby girl March of 2020. We have two dogs, Cooper, a Dachshund, and Denver, a German Shepherd. We can’t wait for them to meet our newest addition in March! I graduated from the Dental Assisting Program from Amarillo College in 2016. I did some of my clinicals at this office and was fortunate enough to be hired on by Dr. Hawkins right out of school. I really enjoy what I do and the relationships I make with the patients and continuing my career in the dental field.

Laura – Dental Assistant

Hi! My name is Laura Rivera and I am a Dental Assistant at Hawkins Dental Group. I was born and raised in Amarillo, TX. I attended Palo Duro Highschool and graduated in 2014. Five years later I graduated from the dental assisting program at Amarillo College. I was fortunate enough to be hired by Dr. Hawkins right out of school. I really enjoy what I do. Specially seeing our patients happy with our work and staff. I am happily married to my wonderful husband, Andres. We have two amazing kids together, a girl named Madelynn, age four, and a boy named Andres, age two. That are a handful! We love and cherish spending time with our kiddos, but every now and them my husband and I like to have some alone time and go on a little date without the kids. We cay wait to see what plan God has in store for our little family.

Melinda – Dental Hygienist

My name is Melinda, I have been a dental hygienist for 24 years. I graduated from Amarillo College in 1993 with an associate’s degree. I have worked for Dr. Hassinger, now Hawkins Dental Group, for 11 years. I love my job and the most important thing to me is my patients and providing the best dental care possible. I have been married for 11 years to Jerry Walker. I have 3 children, Eric, that is 20, twins Makaela and Madison, that are 18. I also have 2 granddaughters, Emberlynn, that is 2 and Trinity, that is 11 months old. I love being a grandma! My granddaughters are the joy of my life!

Sonia – Front Office

My name is Sonia and I have been working in the field of dentistry for 34 years. I worked in a pediatric practice for 10 years and have worked for Dr. David Duncan for the last 24 years and 1 year ago we merged with Hawkins Dental Group. I love working in the front office, helping patients with their needs and having the opportunity of getting to know a little about their lives at the same time. They have become pretty special to me over the years. My husband Michael and I just recently celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary! He is the love of my life and my best friend. Out daughter Jordyn and her husband Adam met in law school at UT and got married after graduating in 2013. They live in Houston and have blessed us with Lucy, our grand-dog!