Dr. Thrashers love of dentistry began on the many trips from Gatesville to Waco to see his orthodontist. As a small child, he had very large buck teeth, so at age 14, Dr. Thrasher and his mother set out on a mission to correct this problem.
Over the next four years of not only metal braces but also extensive headgear, his teeth and his future career path were transformed. Dr. Thrasher developed a close relationship with Dr. Ed Taylor, who always kept him entertained with hunting and fishing stories, which were of great interest to the then teenager. This relationship sealed the deal for Dr. Thrashers future career.
Dr. Thrasher attended Baylor University, where he chose a pre-dental, pre-med career path. After graduating cum laude from Baylor and being accepted by several dental schools across the nation, he chose to go to Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas. Once he started dental school, Dr. Thrashers interest in all areas of dentistry broadened. While he still had a great interest in orthodontics, he loved learning all aspects of dentistry.
This love of learning has continued throughout Dr. Thrashers career. He has always wanted to stay on the cutting edge of dentistry. This has led to a journey of continuing education throughout his career at such prestigious institutions as the Pankey Institute in Florida, The Dawson Academy, the Las Vegas Institute, Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS), and many others.
As Dr. Thrasher continues to grow and learn in dentistry, he has realized that it is also important to invest in the education and development of his staff to better serve our patients. As a doctor, he feels proud that our entire team is well-trained in the latest techniques. Whatever he invests in the education of our staff is reflected in the best treatment for our patients.
Reviews
Rating 4.7 out of 5 based on 236 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestRon Lenamon Jr
a year ago
I've had a really great experience at Hillcrest Dental. In the past, I didn't find the time to visit the dentist as often as I should-but the staff at Hillcrest Dental inspire me to take better care of my teeth. I would recommend Hillcrest Dental to all that read this. They really know teeth and how to make the client comfortable.
Tyler Anderson
a year ago
Great people and great service. Very thorough. Clear communication, always open to questions and ready to explain dental processes in a way that is easy to understand.
Kara Mills
a year ago
I love this place! Best Dentistry ever! The place is beautiful clean and the team is awesome! Affordable and comfortable. Thank you Mrs. Kory for coming out to chat with me after my surgery.
Laura Miller
2 years ago
All of the staff at Hillcrest Dental Care are absolutely amazing. Before choosing Dr. Thrasher, I got several quotes from local dentist that were high rated. During my extensive search for the best dentist, I found many that were overcharging or either found I was super disappointed with their horrible bedside manners! The entire team at Dr. Thrashers has provided the best customer service experience, they have been reasonably priced and so far its been an incredible experience with zero stress! It's only been 1 day since my procedure and even my temporary piece looks amazing. I can't wait to see the final results!!! The time each of their team members has dedicated to making sure I was comfortable and happy has been remarkable! Thank you so much to the entire team!!! Highly recommended and best in Waco by far!
Miranda Lopez
2 years ago
Hands down best experience I've had at the dentist. I'm typically hard to numb and made sure Dr. Thrasher and his staff knew that. He was prepared and made sure that for the first time ever I felt nothing! Highly recommend.
Stacey OKief
2 years ago
Our daughter is from out of state and attends college in Waco and, in my opinion, has been taken advantage of by this dentist office. They upsold her services she didn't need and are now trying to fill numerous cavities that I suspect do not even exist. She had films taken by our family dentist of several years in JAN 2022 with no issues identified yet in JUN 2022 Hillcrest told her she has 7 cavities. From 0 to 7 in 6 months?!?!? Needless to say, she will no longer be going to this dentist office! It seems like there are more and more dentists that are all about upselling instead of providing honest services and took advantage of an unsuspecting young adult. The only good that came out of this was a life lesson for our daughter.
Lisa Weston
2 years ago
I went in Thursday for an implant. I was a nervous wreck because I am afraid of Dentist and I informed them of this before they started. After joking around with the nurse about slipping on the ice. Lol (which also helped me relax) The last thing i can remember is Dr Hamilton looking at my arm and the next thing i remember clearly is the nurse telling me I was done. I dont remember getting in or out of my Uncle's car. But I ended up at home safely in my bed. Best sleep I have had in years. I needed it! No pain at all, although I was given meds to help with pain. Very pleased with my outcome.
Stephanie Hinton
2 years ago
I have never had such an amazing dental experience! These guys care about the patients needs and concerns and go the extra mile to make sure you stay comfortable, feel safe and understand the process. Love this team!
Donna Riddle
2 years ago
If you are looking for the best of the best in dental work, call Hillcrest Dental. Dr. Thrasher and his staff are awesome.
Alec Arriaga
2 years ago
Dr. Thrasher and team are always super nice.
Francisco Solis
2 years ago
Just an amazing overall experience! Laura is very professional and educational. The care and time she dedicates to your cleaning is like no other! I Highly Recommend my (Hygienist) Laura and Hillcrest Dental Care!
Jeremy and Nettie Daniels
2 years ago
Crystal is all around a great assistant and has the experience to make every patient feel welcome and comfortable!
Cheri Manson
2 years ago
A great office and great staff who go above and beyond!
Notorrious Rosser
2 years ago
Had a great experience, highly recommended!
Texas Tea
2 years ago
Great staff!! Wonderful Dr. I've been getting compliments on my smile for over 20 years. I highly recommend Dr Thrasher and team!!!
Lee Watts
2 years ago
I love the Hillcrest dental. Fast friendly and always affordable. And treated like family. Doc , Dana, and the team are among the
Scott Ihrig
3 years ago
Very easy experience. Complete care here. You can't go wrong.
Izola Medlock
3 years ago
Dr.Thrasher Located on woodway dr. I had the pleasure to have him as my personal dentist he is a friendly man always wants you to feel safe and at home. The nurses are great,Ms.Dana and Ms.Traci thank you for making my visit awesome. I can truly say Hillcrest Dental Care is the Best...
Russell Renee Huitt
3 years ago
Crystal is so wonderful. She answered all of my questions to my satisfaction. She's so friendly and understanding. She made me feel so comfortable and she was not judgmental at all. I am returning for all of my dental needs because of her professionalism and kindness.
Allen Cline
3 years ago
The best dentist experience you could imagine or hope for from Waco's "Tooth Whisperer", Dr. Thrasher and his outstanding team! I am a 76 year old who suffered heart failure 10 years ago. My aging dental work combined with some dental issues that resulted during the treatment of my medical condition meant that I was forced to address the possibility of an almost full mouth restoration. I have never been afraid of the dentist, however during my heart failure I had a sensation of suffocating or drowning due to the liquid on my lungs and since that time I just cannot face the water spray a dentist uses as I feel that same terrifying sensation. I was facing the situation in which I thought I would just live with what I had and then one of my front teeth broke. I had seen Dr. Thrasher's infomercial several times and was immediately impressed with his manner and the way he presented the various options that may be available. In other words, he was not just selling dental implants. I was also interested in sedation dentistry given my fear of water. From the first meeting Dr Thrasher did not disappoint. He was just as friendly and compassionate as he seems on TV. After my examination, xrays, etc he sat down with me, my son and his clinic administrator to go over the various options and design a treatment plan to restore and improve my teeth. This was no vanity project on my part as I really needed treatment to replace the missing bridge, fix the broken tooth and address decay under 40 year old crowns. To my great relief his proposed treatment plan was not for implants. While he presented that as an option, given my medical history he recommended the replacing of crowns including the treatment of the underlying teeth and bridges. This treatment process would be divided into two phases, phase one on the top teeth and phase two on the bottom. I began this process in September 2020 and just completed in March 2021. During this time I was never without teeth as there were always temporary crowns. Dr Thrasher is thoughtful, kind and patient and he took the time to explain every step of the procedure beforehand. Dr Thrasher immediately recognized if we needed to change anything if I showed any discomfort and his experience and knowledge saved time and discomfort. Not only is Dr Thrasher wonderful, he has surrounded himself with an amazing team. From day one the clinic administrator Kori was always on hand to answer questions. I worked with her to review the various payment options and she helped to set up a payment plan. Before and during the process the hygienist Katie cleaned my teeth. In the past I have had hygienists who I would describe as aggressive. Katie was gentle and aware of all of my issues, which resulted in a very pleasant experience. Crystal, the dental assistant, was often my point of contact and was with me in the majority of my sessions. She took the molds of my teeth, and went to extra lengths to adjust to my sensitivity as well as explaining all of the steps. On several occasions I popped into the office and Crystal happily took the time to make an adjustment or answer any question I had. Jerica, another dental assistant, worked on my bridge and produced a night guard. I worked with her on my final visit, which was going to be a simple process and as a result the only appointment in which I did not use sedation. In some ways this made it the most difficult as I was awake and aware of the water. While I had a challenging time and had to take a break to recompose myself, Jerica had endless patience. It was thanks to her gentle nature and the compassion from all of the team that I made it through without having to reschedule a sedation visit, even though that option was presented. I had interactions with other team members and each and every one was very pleasant and professional. I cannot rate the Hillcrest Dental Care staff highly enough. If you require any dental work, have any kind of fear or anxiety about dentists, you owe it to yourself to schedule a consultation with Dr Thrasher and his team.
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