After attending Tulane University and receiving his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mississippi in 1977, Dr. Hopkins graduated from the prestigious Emory University School of Dentistry in Atlanta, Georgia. At Emory, Dr. Hopkins studied directly under Dr. Ronald Goldstein, considered the father of modern aesthetic dentistry.
Following graduation from Emory in 1981, Dr. Hopkins joined an esteemed multi-specialty practice in Palm Beach, Florida, where he honed his skills in numerous dental specialties: endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery and aesthetics. While in Florida, Dr. Hopkins also completed the continuum at the Pankey Institute, the most renowned dental education institute in the world.
While hugely successful in Florida, Dr. Hopkins love for his hometown brought him back in 1984 to Gulfport, where his father, Dr. Arvah M. Hopkins, Sr., and his grandfather, Dr. Arvah St. Clair Hopkins, practiced before him.
While greatly respected for his abilities as a general dentist, Dr. Hopkins is also highly regarded as one of the areas leading aesthetic dentists. To that end, Dr. Hopkins has performed hundreds of complete smile transformations, enhancing his patients smiles and undeniably brightening their lives.
As a dentist, I believe certain values matter the most when it comes to the health and the happiness of my patients. Most importantly, I believe a brighter, healthier smile leads to a brighter, healthier life physically, mentally and emotionally for my patients. Understandably, my primary goal is to make my patients lives a little better and brighter each day.
Many studies have proven that unhealthy teeth and gums lead to a host of negative effects an increased risk of heart disease, decayed teeth, advanced bone loss and a decreased immune system. With words like disease and decay so often linked with dentistry, its easy to forget how positively dentistry can enrich peoples lives, particularly in the area of aesthetic dentistry.
As a long-term student and provider of aesthetics, I believe its far more an art than it is a science. While all basics can be taught, there is no textbook formula that applies to everyone. Far too many new patients have visited my office desperate for me to correct what was promised to be aesthetic work. When designing new smiles, I consider my patients features and personality as much as their teeth and gums so results are beautifulandnatural.
While I believe in the best of dentistry, its important to note what I dont believe in, such as the too often used gimmicks to attract patients. The most recent example of this is the advertisement of shot-free dental lasers, which are far from the state-of-the-art equipment they are promised to be. While some lasers have their place in gum surgery, most can only be used in minor procedures. A skilled, steady-handed dentist can perform these same procedures many times faster and equally pain-free.
My patients deserve honestyandproficiency from their dentist, so youll only find cutting-edge and effective technologies at my office. Also, youll always find me wearing enhanced magnification, known as dental loupes, when diagnosing and treating patients. While my eyesight is excellent, this enhanced magnification allows me to find and treat even the smallest problems.
Finally, I believe in sparing no expense in continuing education courses. My time learning advanced techniques across the country allows me to offer my patients the very best. At our office, we are continually growing professionally and personally to make our patients experience with us one they actually enjoy. After all, improving our patients smiles and enhancing their lives is what its all about.
If youre an established patient, thank you for the pleasure of being your dentist. I appreciate your continued confidence and referrals. If youre a new patient, my staff and I look forward to brightening your smile and, hopefully, bettering your lif
Dr. Hopkins lives in Gulfport, Ms. His son Graham is a senior at Wake Forest Medical School, while his son Worth is beginning William Carey Medical School this 2016. When not working, Dr. Hopkins enjoys boating, scuba diving, golfing, kayaking, photography and traveling.
Reviews
Rating 4.8 out of 5 based on 70 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestGracie Harris
2 years ago
I had a very bad experience that caused be to lose (3) front teeth. This experience to me was life changing. Most won't admit how vein they are but I grew up knowing your image in this world is everything. My Dad said " you can tell how someone care about themselves by their teeth and the shoes they wear." Now you might not agree but my life. With that being said this HORRIBLE Experience that was the fault of professionals pretty much destroyed me. Looking for someone to help I saw soooo many Dentist and their work on the internet and on their websites..... but there was one where the teeth were amazingly repaired to perfection. At this point I don't trust easy but I make an appointment anyway just to see. The staff made me feel Beautiful at a time when I really needed to. They had no idea what had Happened to me neither did they push. Their only concern was to make this right. The only question was can we see a picture of what your smile use to look like. My Self Esteem had been stripped from me for a LOT of Months but Dr Hopkins and his Staff gave it back to me all in one day. I thought the cost would be out of my reach but it was not and worth every cent!!!!
Samantha Robitzsch
2 years ago
I went to Dr. Hopkin's office this past week and had an amazing experience. I finally got a filling for a front tooth of mine. He did an amazing job, and I feel like I can smile ALL the time now! He also made sure I was comfortable the whole time and made sure I felt no pain! Thank you :) !
Kiki C
2 years ago
The staff and Dr. Hopkins are all amazing, caring people. Needed an emergency visit and was able to be seen the same day.
Lezlie Costelli
2 years ago
The family has been going to Dr. Hopkins for years and we have always been pleased with our care and his work! The staff is very knowledgeable and capable and very friendly!!
Mary Rorabaugh
2 years ago
All the staff I've met are SUPER NICE. Dr. Hopkins is very very patient , thorough and detailed in his work. I feel confident that his work will fix my bad teeth.
Jeremy Carothers
2 years ago
Great staff, and excellent work. Have been using Dr. Hopkins for over 10 years and wouldn't go anywhere else. As a dentist he is straight forward about your needs and options and any work I've had done has been done quick and efficiently. One lingering issue I had he went waaay above and beyond to help fix so that I could keep the original tooth when it would have been more profitable for him in that instance to pull and put in an implant that I was willing to do. That told me he cares more about your dental health than profit and for that reason alone, until he decides to retire, I'll never go anywhere else.
Don Mozingo
2 years ago
Dr Hopkins and his staff are very professional and extremely nice. I'm very pleased with their work and I highly recommended them.
Ashley Charlton
2 years ago
Dr. Hopkins and his staff are awesome! The hygienists and assistants are very sweet and they have wonderful interpersonal skills. I highly recommend this clinic for anything from routine cleanings/filling to cosmetic work. A really great and friendly environment.
rodney mcgruder
2 years ago
Dr. Hopkins and the entire Smile Designs team are wonderful. I've been a client for over a decade and don't have any complaints!
rodney mcgruder
3 years ago
Dr. Hopkins and the entire Smile Designs team are wonderful. I've been a client for over a decade and don't have any complaints!
Don Mozingo
3 years ago
Dr Hopkins and his staff are very professional and extremely nice. I'm very pleased with their work and I highly recommended them.
Jeremy Carothers
3 years ago
Great staff, and excellent work. Have been using Dr. Hopkins for over 10 years and wouldn't go anywhere else. As a dentist he is straight forward about your needs and options and any work I've had done has been done quick and efficiently. One lingering issue I had he went waaay above and beyond to help fix so that I could keep the original tooth when it would have been more profitable for him in that instance to pull and put in an implant that I was willing to do. That told me he cares more about your dental health than profit and for that reason alone, until he decides to retire, I'll never go anywhere else.
Ashley Charlton
3 years ago
Dr. Hopkins and his staff are awesome! The hygienists and assistants are very sweet and they have wonderful interpersonal skills. I highly recommend this clinic for anything from routine cleanings/filling to cosmetic work. A really great and friendly environment.
Gracie Harris
3 years ago
I had a very bad experience that caused be to lose (3) front teeth. This experience to me was life changing. Most won't admit how vein they are but I grew up knowing your image in this world is everything. My Dad said " you can tell how someone care about themselves by their teeth and the shoes they wear." Now you might not agree but my life. With that being said this HORRIBLE Experience that was the fault of professionals pretty much destroyed me. Looking for someone to help I saw soooo many Dentist and their work on the internet and on their websites..... but there was one where the teeth were amazingly repaired to perfection. At this point I don't trust easy but I make an appointment anyway just to see. The staff made me feel Beautiful at a time when I really needed to. They had no idea what had Happened to me neither did they push. Their only concern was to make this right. The only question was can we see a picture of what your smile use to look like. My Self Esteem had been stripped from me for a LOT of Months but Dr Hopkins and his Staff gave it back to me all in one day. I thought the cost would be out of my reach but it was not and worth every cent!!!!
Samantha Robitzsch
3 years ago
I went to Dr. Hopkin's office this past week and had an amazing experience. I finally got a filling for a front tooth of mine. He did an amazing job, and I feel like I can smile ALL the time now! He also made sure I was comfortable the whole time and made sure I felt no pain! Thank you :) !
Kiki C
3 years ago
The staff and Dr. Hopkins are all amazing, caring people. Needed an emergency visit and was able to be seen the same day.
Mary Rorabaugh
3 years ago
All the staff I've met are SUPER NICE. Dr. Hopkins is very very patient , thorough and detailed in his work. I feel confident that his work will fix my bad teeth.
Lezlie Costelli
3 years ago
The family has been going to Dr. Hopkins for years and we have always been pleased with our care and his work! The staff is very knowledgeable and capable and very friendly!!
Rikeena Johnson
3 years ago
The atmosphere in the office is so welcoming. I went in & was seen the same day & it was painless . Being that I'm 22 yrs old this is the 1st dentist that I have been to that has sweet staff & Mr. Hopkins is the best !! I didn't feel no pain at all , I highly recommended this dentist to anyone who is looking for a patient , friendly , painless dentist !!!:) YOU GUYS ARE SO AWESOME THANK YOU SO MUCH !
Jean Linker
3 years ago
We are new to the area. Got an appointment quickly. Very professional and like the Doctor and his staff. We will be back!!!
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