If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Monroe, LA, Dr. Finley and Dr. Henderson are general family dentists who enjoy treating children. Dr. Finley even has five children of his own. You’ll have the convenience of receiving dental care for everyone in your family at a single location. 
What Is a Pediatric Dentist?
Pediatric dentistry as a specialty requires two years of post-graduate training. Dr. Finley and Dr. Henderson are general dentists, not pediatric specialists. But while in dental school, they each received training in pediatric dentistry that equipped them to care for children’s basic dental needs. Most families can receive comprehensive care at Bayou Dental Group. But we won’t hesitate to refer your child to a pediatric dentist if he or she has unique needs that require a specialist.
While in school, Dr. Finley was recognized for his knack for treating children and was encouraged to go on to specialize in pediatric dentistry. But he decided he’d rather treat the entire family.
Your child’s dental appointment
Our main goal is to help your child have a comfortable, enjoyable visit, which will encourage them to establish lifelong healthy dental habits. Much adult dental anxiety can be traced to traumatic childhood experiences, so that needs to be avoided.
We’re asked what a parent should do to help prepare their child for their first visit. Our advice would be not to worry about it—treat it as a routine experience. Children pick up on their parents’ anxieties, and if you try too hard to prepare them, they will sense that this is something they need to worry about.
We recommend bringing in your child for their first dental visit at around age 2, when their primary molars have begun to erupt. Our goal is to give your child positive dental experiences, which we call “happy visits.” Throughout the visit, we communicate with your child to ensure he or she understands the following:
- What’s happening next and why
- Which dental tools we are using
- How a procedure will feel
We don’t pressure or force children to receive dental treatment.
As your child gets older and permanent back teeth begin to erupt, we will recommend treating those teeth with dental sealants to help prevent decay. We also provide fluoride treatments to strengthen their enamel.
Visit Our Family Friendly Office
The key for a patient having a great relationship with their dentist starts really early in life. I know my kids don’t fear going to the dentist and I don’t want other people’s kids fearing going to the dentist.
We start their visits very early. We have kids all the time that we might find a cavity too on them. Maybe they don’t even have to have a shot to solve the problem because we found it at a early stage. We’re able to use air abrasion technology to softly clean out that decay. Then, we’re able to solve problems for their dental problems in such a way that they don’t feel pain even if we give them a shot. They go outside and the Mom says, “Did he give you a shot?” “Well, no. He put my tooth to sleep but he didn’t give me a shot. Dentistry for kids is a great thing. That’s why I hire people here that love children.
Our office environment is comfortable and family friendly. Kids can play a game or read a book in our reception area. All of our staff members have children, and we are understanding, welcoming, and friendly to kids. During their dental visits, children can relax while watching their favorite movie or cartoon.
Call us to schedule an appointment for an exam for your child or request an appointment online.
“Dr. Finley does a great job giving numbing shots. You can’t even feel it. My kids are not afraid to go to the dentist anymore, and they love the little goodie bags they get on the way out.” – Frankie E.
