About Us
Two locations, one trusted team.
At Pelican Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves to leave the dentist feeling relieved, not rattled. Since 1986, we've built our practice on a simple idea: know your families by name, slow down, and make sure kids actually want to come back. With locations in New Iberia and Lafayette, we bring that same warm, non-corporate experience to more families across Acadiana.
Whether it's your child's first visit or their tenth, you'll find the same trusted providers, the same cross-trained team, and the same commitment to comfort-first care at both offices. We're not a corporate chain. We're the dentist who grew up down the road.
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Dr. Savoy: advanced training, small-town roots
Dr. Chris Savoy has known since he was seven or eight years old that he wanted to be a dentist. He followed through on that promise, completing his undergraduate degree at Tulane University in New Orleans before earning his dental degree from LSU School of Dentistry. He then stayed at LSU for his pediatric residency, where he trained at Children's Hospital in New Orleans and built the clinical foundation that shapes every aspect of care at Pelican today. He also holds an MBA from the University of Louisiana Lafayette, a combination that reflects his dual commitment to clinical excellence and building a practice that genuinely serves his community.
Dr. Savoy's treatment philosophy is deliberately conservative. He is not numbers-driven, and Pelican does not operate under consulting models that set minimum treatment goals for providers. Instead, Dr. Savoy slows down, shows parents the X-rays, walks through every option, and is just as likely to say "let's try again next visit" as he is to move forward with treatment. His guiding principle: a child should never leave an appointment hating the dentist. Dental care should be a regular, comfortable part of a child's life, not a source of fear or trauma.
When he's not in the office, Dr. Savoy is outdoors with his family. He and Meaghan have two kids and spend their time playing tennis, pickleball, and traveling to places where they can hike, bike, and explore.
Dr. Hebert: experienced, caring, and in your corner
Dr. Melanie Hebert was born and raised right here in Lafayette, Louisiana! She graduated from Louisiana State University in 2014 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Psychology, and then continued her journey at LSU School of Dentistry, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2018.
When she’s not making smiles sparkle, Dr. Hebert loves getting creative with painting and all kinds of arts and crafts — especially when she’s spending time with her godchild, Bianka! She also enjoys being outdoors, soaking up the sunshine, and exploring nature.
Dr. Hebert is passionate about making every child feel comfortable, happy, and excited about taking care of their teeth. She can’t wait to meet you and help keep your smile shining bright!
Dr. Bernard: dedicated to every child's comfort and confidence
Dr. Berard brings over 15 years of experience in children's dentistry to Pelican Pediatric Dentistry. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry (2004–2008), where she was active in the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and Greater Houston Dental Society. She began her academic career at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2004 with a degree in Biology, Microbiology.
A native of St. Martinville, Dr. Berard was born and raised just down the road from both of our practice locations, and she's proud to bring her expertise back home to serve the community that shaped her. Outside the office, she is the proud mother of two daughters. With her deep local roots and dedication to pediatric care, Dr. Berard is a wonderful addition to our team, and we're excited for her to help our youngest patients build a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Dr. Brown: a trusted name in New Iberia for over 40 years
A Jeanerette native, Dr. Brown graduated from Tulane University in 1977. He went on to LSU Dental School, graduating in 1981 and completed his residency in Pediatric Dentistry. He then moved back to start his own practice in 1983. Dr. Brown is Board Certified from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the Louisiana Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the Acadiana Dental Association. He is married to Dr. Jil Brown, a pediatrician, and they have two sons. In his free time he enjoys playing golf and hunting.
Your first visit, made easy
What to expect when you walk through our doors
We know that for a lot of families, walking into a dental office comes with some nerves, and that's completely okay. At Pelican, we've built our entire new patient experience around making sure both you and your child leave feeling relieved. Our team is warm, unhurried, and genuinely focused on your child's comfort from the moment you arrive. There's no whiplash, no pressure, and no judgment.
Patient experience
When your family arrives, one of our assistants will greet you in the lobby and bring your child back in a way that feels more like being welcomed by a friend than escorted to a clinical appointment. Your provider will review X-rays with you, walk through every option clearly, including the option of no treatment, and help you choose the right setting for your child, whether that's a standard visit, nitrous oxide, in-office anesthesia, or a hospital setting. We pay just as much attention to parent anxiety as we do to your child's comfort, because when parents feel informed and at ease, kids do too.
What to bring
To make your first visit as smooth as possible, please bring the following:
- Your child's insurance card (we accept Medicaid and file all insurances)
- A valid photo ID for the parent or guardian
- A list of any medications your child currently takes
- Any prior dental records or X-rays, if available
Comfort and technology, working together
Designed to make your child's visit better
We've put real thought into both the feel of our offices and the tools we use to care for your child. From the waiting room to the treatment chair, every detail, from the entertainment overhead to the blankets we offer, is there to reduce anxiety, support comfort, and help kids get through their appointments without needing heavier interventions.
Waiting rooms built for kids (and parents)
Both locations feature waiting rooms stocked with toys, screens, and library books for kids of all ages. We know that a calm, engaging wait sets the tone for a calm appointment, so we've made sure there's something for every child from the moment they walk in.
Ceiling TVs and wireless headphones
At our Lafayette location, every chair has a screen above it with wireless headphones so your child can watch a movie during their cleaning. TVs on the ceilings keep kids focused on something they enjoy rather than what's happening in their mouth, and it makes a real difference. We find that when kids are entertained, they often don't need additional comfort measures at all.
Distraction-based behavior management
Our team uses a hands-off, distraction-based approach to behavior management that includes noise-canceling headphones linked to overhead entertainment, cozy blankets, and sensory-friendly comfort touches. These supports are designed to reduce anxiety naturally, so kids can tolerate care comfortably without relying on heavier medications. It's one of the things families notice most and appreciate most about a visit with us.
Digital X-rays
We use top-of-the-line digital X-ray technology that captures clear, detailed images quickly and with minimal discomfort. Digital X-rays also significantly reduce radiation exposure compared to traditional film, making them a safer and more comfortable option for children of all ages.
Rooted in community, committed to access
Giving back is part of who we are
Dr. Savoy has always believed that every child deserves quality dental care, regardless of where they live or what resources they have. That belief is at the heart of everything Pelican Pediatric Dentistry does, from the care we provide in our chairs to the work our team does out in the community, partnering with local schools to teach children about dental health early and building habits that last a lifetime. That same drive led Dr. Savoy to open the Lafayette location on the north side of town and to build a practice that has always accepted Medicaid and welcomed all families. When you choose Pelican, you're supporting a practice that puts that value into action, right here in our own community, every single day.
Ready to find your family's dental home?
Book your child's first visit with Pelican today
Whether you're a longtime New Iberia family or a parent in north Lafayette looking for a trusted pediatric dentist closer to home, Pelican is here for you. Our team is ready to welcome your child, answer every question, and make sure your family leaves feeling confident and cared for. Two locations, one trusted team, and we can't wait to meet you.
