Meet the Doctors
Dr. Steven Hankins
To Dr. Hankins, being a dentist is one of the greatest jobs in the world, and he feels the most fulfilled when he walks out of the office each day knowing he has given his patients the best possible treatment.
With the belief that dentistry combines the structural component of engineering and the aesthetic component of art, Dr. Hankins strives to align both in order to provide work that is foundationally strong and cosmetically beautiful!
Dr. Hankins graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Biology and received his doctoral degree in dental surgery from the University of Tennessee in 2013. He moved to Springdale in 2016, after completion of his wife’s residency program with Children’s Hospital in Dallas, and began working at the Smile Center. Dr. Hankins says one of his favorite things about working at the Smile Center is hearing all the unique life stories from his patients.
A strong believer in continuing education, he has completed over 500 hours of hands-on training in Occlusion and Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ), Endodontics, Implant Dentistry, Orthodontics (Invisalign), Smile Design, and Sedation Dentistry. He is one of the few general dentists in NW Arkansas to have received licensure to administer both IV and Oral moderate sedation, a designation only offered through certification with the Arkansas board of dentistry. He is a member of American Dental Association (ADA), the Arkansas State Dental Association (ASDA). He was recently selected to be part of the ADA Advisory Circle and was named 2023 Top 50 Dentists in America by the American Dentist Society.
When he isn’t working, you’ll find Dr. Hankins in his garage gym or with his family. Dr. Hankins believes that nutrition and exercise is critical to not only his own wellbeing, but also to helping him give his patients a higher level of service.
A Springdale native, Dr. Hankins is married to his dental school sweetheart Amanda. They are blessed to have a daughter, Lennon, and a son Adler. He and his family are members of Fellowship Bible Church and are proud supporters of the North West Arkansas Children’s Shelter and Potter’s House.
Dr. Corey Nichols
To Dr. Corey Nichols, dentistry is an art that positively impacts the way a person looks and feels about themselves. He finds great satisfaction in seeing a patient proudly showing off their smile. Dr. Nichols is excited to be a part of the Smile Center team, joining in the long tradition of excellence in dentistry in the Springdale community.
Dr. Nichols attended the University of Arkansas for his undergraduate education, followed by dental school at the University of Nebraska where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery. Here he was awarded the Quintessence Publishing Award for Restorative Dentistry. He has a passion for learning dentistry’s newest technology and most effective treatments. Also, as a member of the American Dental Association, Dr. Nichols is able to collaborate with his peers on a multi-disciplinary level.
A native of Springdale, Dr. Nichols feels very blessed to serve the community where he grew up. He is married to his wonderful wife, Chelsey, a nurse, and they have two dogs, Sage and River. When he’s not in the office, Dr. Nichols can be found with family, fly-fishing or on the golf course. He has always been an avid golfer, and after living in Nebraska for four years, he has taken up hunting as well. Dr. Nichols’ faith in Jesus Christ has led him to live a life where he can hear the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”
Dr. McKown
Dr. McKown’s path to dentistry was driven by his dedication to improving the health and well-being of those around him. He views dentistry not just as a profession, but as a unique opportunity to form lasting connections while helping patients achieve a healthy smile. His commitment to providing exceptional care and building trust with his patients is the cornerstone of his approach.
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Central Arkansas, Dr. McKown gained invaluable experience managing a dental practice in Erie, Colorado. This time allowed him to hone his skills in patient care and practice management, giving him insights into both the clinical and personal aspects of dentistry. Inspired by his experiences, he pursued advanced training at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery and developed expertise across all facets of dental care.
Rooted in Arkansas, Dr. McKown feels a strong connection to the Northwest Arkansas community, where he’s excited to build his skills and serve his neighbors. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, spending time with family and friends, and passionately supporting the Arkansas Razorbacks at every opportunity. His dedication to his patients and his community reflects his genuine love for both, making him a valued presence both inside and outside our dental office.
