William N Thornton, DDS

I’ve been seeing Dr. Thornton for at least 6 years in D.C. and he’s hands-​down the best dentist I’ve ever had. I would recommend him to anyone. He’s seen me through getting a whole new tooth (he didn’t do the surgery part but he referred me to the ortho who did who was fantastic) and aside from that has helped me with all sorts of other more minor things like my bite and teeth-​grinding, even comping my mouth gard after I had my new tooth because he didn’t want me to forgo it and risk any damage to the dental work/​my smile. Their office is well-​organized (best I’ve ever experienced at a medical/​dental office) and they’re good about appointment reminders and such. I’ve also never ever waited to get seen there, always on time. Anyhow, he’s the best. I’ll mourn the day if I ever leave DC and can’t see him anymore!

Dr. Thornton is the best dentist experience I’ve encountered. Appointments start right on-​time and the office and rooms are clean and bright. The cleanings are the most thorough I’ve experienced. The techs and Dr. Thornton are so nice, happy, and always willing to chat, explain, and answer all my questions. Even though Dr. Thornton is no longer in my dental insurance network, I still prefer to go here!

Great dentist! He’s friendly and most of all, he’s really good. He works quickly, does quality work, and his staff members are exceptional. I’m a dentist myself and am particular about my teeth. I chose Dr. Thornton to be my dentist and I’m glad I did.

This review is only for the receptionist — I cancelled my appointment because they ‘required’ my date of birth AND social security number in order to make an appointment. She explained it is their ‘protocol’. My experience is this information is collected at the first appointment. In addition, I was calling because of a toothache and was only was offered an appointment over one week away.
I am sure the dentist is ‘incredible’, but with a front desk with a lack of customer service skills, who would know.

I previously wrote a review about Dr. Thornton, but I wanted to update that review, having seen him for the first time today after more than a two-​year absence.
To reiterate, when I lived in San Francisco (1984 – 1994), I had THE BEST dentist and, when I moved back home to D.C., I missed him sorely, and for many, many years was unable to find a dentist who even began to compare to Dr. Ramsey. I went through at least three dentists in D.C., none of whom made what isn’t a pleasant experience to begin with one scintilla better. ENTER DR. THORNTON! I’m happy to say that I no longer miss Dr. Ramsey!
I just LOVE this dentist AND his staff, Nick and China in particular. I think I go there just to laugh (and read their magazines … nothing boring among the choices)! Being professional is, of course, of utmost importance; however, when you’re among people who can add a wonderful sense of humor to the mix, and who welcome you as warmly as they did me (especially after not having seen any of them for such a long time), you find yourself actually happy to be there. They are all incredibly nice, kind human beings! But, when they get to the job at hand, they are all extremely professional and very adept at what they do.
I cannot recommend Dr. Thornton and his staff more highly … they are all simply AMAZING.

Dr. Thornton is an incredible dentist. He is friendly, efficient, and really did everything he could to make patients feel comfortable. This is a huge contrast to the first dentist I had in DC who used to MAKE ME HOLD THE TOOLS FOR HIM IN MY MOUTH and always seemed an overall mess. I won’t mention his name here because he is since deceased.
Unfortunately, I had a bad run of needing three root canals over four years and sometimes that meant making emergency appointments to his office. They always got me in, taken care of, and referred to an endodontist. The second emergency root canal endodontist referral was by far the best endo I’ve had, Dr. Murtaza. Even Dr. Thornton said, «This is who I would send my family too.»
His assistants and dental hygienists are also friendly and great at their job. In particular, Crystal is the sweetest assistant.
I should mention that the office always has a great selection of music playing.
The only small feedback I provide is that sometimes the front desk staff can be less than friendly, which is unfortunate since they are the first and last impression.
I just moved to California and am going to miss this dentist a great deal!

Dr. Thorton is great! He is super friendly and will help you find the right treatment plan for any dental issues you are having. The office staff is great too with scheduling, billing, etc. Cleanings are super speedy, which is nice so you don’t have to take a ton of time off work.

I hear Dr. Thornton is a great dentist… which is why when I called three weeks ago and was told I needed to try back in three weeks to get in as a new patient, I waited. Unfortunately, when I called the office this morning I was told that Dr. Thornton was only accepting new patients with federal insurance plans. This information would have been helpful to have during the first call, so I wouldn’t have waited around for three weeks.

Seriously awesome dentist. He’s fit me into a busy schedule twice on short notice for mouth «emergencies.» Office is clean and staff is helpful and honest. He is friendly, efficient, and inspires confidence while holding sharp spinning tools inside my mouth. While most dentists focus all of their non-​gouging efforts on your mouth, Dr. Thornton hasn’t been rough on my wallet either. Much appreciated on all accounts. Highly recommended.

I am always beyond impressed with Dr. Thornton and his staff. He is by far the most talented dentist I have ever been to. They are efficient and on time. I actually look forward to my visits. Who can say they like going to the dentist?! I promise you will!

First off, I can’t give Dr. Thornton and group five stars for one reason: I think it’s absurd you have to make two appointments for a routine cleaning. As I was told, this is because the first appointment is to take x rays (despite sending a full mouth panoramic x ray a few days earlier from a previous dentist) and figure out how much cleaning is needed. The second is when the actual cleaning takes place. For a professional, that means two days of sick leave or something to account for unless you can trust everyone runs on time.
I arrived much earlier than my 11:40 am appointment and upon walking in, I was almost greeted immediately yesterday. As a first time patient, the woman somehow correctly identified me and greeted me by my name.
Nick eventually took me back a few minutes after my scheduled appointment and apologized for being late. He was super friendly and very patient. He answered my questions, made sure I was comfortable as he took x rays (yes, more x rays) and pictures, and even adjusted the sensor sizes so they would fit more comfortably in my mouth. Nick took notes on the computer as Dr. Thornton identified that I had 4 bicuspids and 4 wisdom teeth removed and some other issues, going tooth by tooth.
Dr. Thornton was very nice too and shook my hand and thanked me for coming in. While I was sitting in the waiting room, I noticed they were an invisalign provider so I asked him and Nick about it. Both were patient and answered my questions and Dr. Thornton said my case was relatively straightforward and projected a one year timeline for $ 5,000 (which seems to be the going rate this year). Since they are in my plan, I actually have decent coverage, and it’s got me seriously considering him despite being a dentist.
Dr. Thornton said he usually works with Drs. Hickory and Shefferman, acknowledging the latter charges for a consultation. He also said he wouldn’t be offended if I went elsewhere for orthodontic treatment but felt confident he could do it. At this rate, with the technology, it seems many dental professionals could be invisalign providers.
When it came to insurance and check out, Tricia was awesome. She communicated with me a few days in advance to make sure I had my paperwork ready when I arrived, called my insurance to check on coverage and reimbursement rates, and emailed a day or so in advance and ask to confirm the appointment. That is how it should be done.
Also, while in the waiting room, I felt a higher level of trust and confidence than I did at my first appointment yesterday. The staff was competent and friendly and did a great job following up with everything from scheduling to insurance.
I’m disappointed I can’t make the first opening for a cleaning next week and have to wait to March to get one (I’m hoping I can get in sooner and am on their waitlist).
All in all, I am impressed by the cleanliness of the facility, the use of technology and demonstration of knowledge of how to use it, the friendliness of everyone, and the overall experience. When they can accommodate cleaning in one appointment, I can see them receiving five stars from me.
Dr. Thornton and Nick really demonstrated their knowledge and took the time to identify by visual observation and pictures where I was grinding my teeth and how it was affecting the teeth and showed me on a screen that was moved so I could see it from the patient chair. Dr. Thornton also asked whether I use an electronic toothbrush (I do) and said I was grinding my teeth at night. He and one of the orthodontists I visited yesterday noted, that with eight teeth already removed, there was even more care and attention necessary to ensure overcrowding does not get worse. He made me feel comfortable that despite being a dentist, he would provide excellent care if I were to be an invisalign patient. He described the invisalign treatment noting the usual every two weeks, I would change aligners and they could get a digital projection of how my teeth were going to look after treatment was completed. He also said a free whitening service was offered and I think he said the cost was inclusive of retainers as well. Mouthguards to prevent grinding would be a separate thing.

Such a great experience from check-​in, to exam and to cleaning!
On check-​in, the reception team was FRIENDLY, offered me a toothbrush and toothpaste, and made sure me and everyone who walked in the door was warmly greeted.
The dentist (Dr. Thornton) was ON TIME and did a thorough job (I think he took at least 20 minutes) looking at my mouth and X-​rays. Afterwords, he took a good deal of time to discuss things that I should watch for and do now as well as watch and do in the future.
In the cattle-​call medical world that we now live, it’s always nice to find doctors who take the time to talk and listen to their patients. This is incredibly true here — not once will you get the sense that they are to busy to answer a question or not thoroughly doing their jobs.
Very much impressed with Dr Thornton and team. He definitely has a new patient.

I have never felt so taken care of in my entire life! Dr. Thornton and his staff are absolutely wonderful. They make you feel very comfortable and explain everything that they do, before they begin. Today was my first visit ever and I not only had my x-​rays done, but got impressions taken of my mouth for a custom mouth guard (I grind my teeth at night.) AND got my teeth cleaned. Just absolutely wonderful.

I started going to Dr Thornton almost 5 ago after getting a bit off track with my dentist appointments for a few years. As other Unilocalers confessed, I felt nervous about going after so long and was afraid of being judged.
I initially chose Rusk and Thornton because they accepted my insurance and I liked the location, but I keep going because Dr. Thornton and his staff are just great. First of all, Dr. T is a perfectionist — that is something I really appreciate in a dentist! He also does not try to sell you whitening services or stuff like that, or lecture you on flossing (though he has gently reminded me to try to keep it up). The hygienist, Phong (I think that’s her name — I feel terrible for not remembering!!) is awesome. She does such a good job and she’s very friendly. And Nick, who has received a lot of Unilocal love (rightfully so!), is really wonderful.
Over the years, the front desk staff has improved. I was not impressed when I first started going to Dr. T, but at my last visit a few months ago, I found everyone to be very nice. I also appreciate the reminder emails they send a week before the appointment!

No one actually enjoys going to the dentist, but going an appointment with Dr. Thornton is about as good as it gets. The office is clean, bright, friendly, quick but thorough, and, if you can believe it, fun. There’s always upbeat music, the front desk staff is very helpful, and I have never waited more than 5 – 7 minutes for my appointment (they are so prompt). The hygienists are fantastic – personable, kind, etc. I’ve been going to this office for about two years, and I am always impressed. I wouldn’t even consider another dentist in town.

Have you ever had a dentist who is also a rock star? I had not until today. For clarity, I do not know if Dr. Will sings or plays any musical instruments (maybe he does?), but the man is a rock star. Let me tell you why:
I have a deep-​seated fear of going to the dentist. It has consumed me since my childhood dentist (rest in peace, Dr. Yalowich, you were the greatest) stopped seeing patients years ago and I had to go to a new dentist. Since then, I’ve never really meshed with my dentists and, after a bad experience here in the District, I put off going for quite a while. Then I became embarrassed, and was afraid to go, which obviously did not help the situation.
Fast-​forward to a party earlier this year where I met the too-​good-​to-​be-​true Dr. Will. Another friend who also goes to Dr. Will for dental stuff introduced us, and I shared my passionate fear about going to the dentist. He said I had nothing to worry about and should make an appointment.
From my first phone call to the office (where they do ask how long it’s been since you’ve been to a dentist), to the dental assistant (not sure if that’s his title, but shouts to Nick!) who did my x-​rays and dealt with me acting like a 6-​year-​old, to the hygienist, Stacy, who got my pearly whites shining again, to Dr. will himself — everyone was nice, friendly, and very much not judgey.
So, if you don’t have a dentist, you should go to Dr. Will. Probably even if you do have a dentist, you should go to Dr. Will — he’s great and the music in the office is top notch.

Unilocal Needs to add more stars… Dr. Thornton, Nick and the entire staff are AMAZING. I recently have been going through a horrific dental experience where the dentist not only took two deductible payments from me, he also did some kindergarten work. Found Dr. Thornton near my office and got an appt immediately. He developed a plan to get me back on track and also wouldn’t let me leave his office without repairing the Jerks work. Finally I have a dental home. This team is great. Thanks Dr. Thornton

I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Will. I’ve been his patient for 7 years now; he was found by my coworker. She’s a critic, so when she was happy, I was all in.
The staff is professional, friendly and tolerant of my inability to hold still while getting x-​rays.
My experience; he treats my visits more than just a check up. He cares about my well being as a whole.

I could go ON and ON and ON and ON and ON and ON and ON about the TEAM at this office! OMG is an understatement as to how I feel about the services that I have received from Dr. Thornton and his AMAZING STAFF!!!
Let me give you a little history. Following a few friends I traveled out of the country to have 8 of my front teeth «DONE». The moment I look at my smile I HATED IT! With a return trip leaving in just a few days I had not choice but to DEAL WITH IT! That was 6 years ago! IMAGINE THAT!!! BIG UGLY TEETH FOR SIX YEARS!!! UGGGH! THE PAIN!!! I will say «PEOPLE» thought I had a GREAT smile! Myself and professionals like Dr. Will KNEW BETTER!
FAST FORWARD to a few months ago! NOOO let me back up! About 2 years ago I was referred to Dr. Thornton about having my crowns reDONE! I went. He quoted me! I never went back. Over the last 2 years I talked to other dentist locally and out of the area about having my dental work done PROPERLY in the US.
NOOOOOW fast forward to a few months ago! I went BACK to Dr. Will following my heart. SO GLAD I LISTENED!!! My process took a while because A. I had A LOT of work that needed to be done. B. my work schedule is crazy! and C. DEADLINES! through the ENTIRE PROCESS Dr. Will. NICK! Dr. Rusk! Jasmine! China! EVERYONE THERE HAS TREATED ME LIKE A SUPERSTAR!!! I will sing the praises of Dr. William Thornton for the REST of MY LIFE!!! If you need a new smile OR if you just need to maintain what you have!!! THEY HAVE IT TOGETHER!!! I have been to MAAAAANY doctors. salons. spas. estheticians. nail techs. laser clinics. how i am treated and QUALITY SERVICE IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME! atmosphere means the world. NOW I only have one RULE!!! Yes there are RULES! When you go BE NICE! RELAX! and let the people WORK!!! DONT ME LATE! Ive NEVER waited!!! TOLD YA I COULD GO ON AND ON!!!

My employer switched dental insurance carriers which was a convenient excuse for me not to go to the dentist for two years. A tooth ache starting one month ago became sufficient motivation to schedule a dentist appointment. Cross referencing my insurance carrier’s website of covered dentists and Unilocal reviews I identified the top five rated dentists near my work. I called them all and only Dr. Thorton was able to see me within the week (keep in mind my tooth ache was getting worse).
I had my appointment today and it went about as good as a trip to the dentist can. The woman at the front counter was kind and helpful. The office and examination room I was placed in were both very clean/​modern/​well lit, etc. The dental hygienist (Nick) was very personable and friendly. Dr. Thorton’s office uses technology, e. g, digital x-​rays and mini-​camera, effectively. Finally, Dr. Thorton was really great — excellent bedside manner, explained his diagnosis fully and laid out all of my options in a very easy to understand and digest way. I had to have a filling replaced and Dr. Thorton explained what he was doing the whole time and finished the procedure quickly and efficiently. In short, I would recommend him and his office to any of my friends or family.