About Me
For those who are new to Grants Ferry Family Dentistry, have recently started “following” us on social media, or may have just stumbled upon this, I would like to take some time to introduce myself. My name in Erin Green, and I am the proud owner and solo dentist at Grants Ferry Family Dentistry. I absolutely love what I do, but more than anything, I’m proud of the people I have supporting me and who’ve helped me achieve some of my life long goals.
I was born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana. I’m sure you know someone from Monroe (everyone seems to). To clear a few things up: I don’t personally know the Duck Dynasty people; the horrible smell comes from West Monroe (there’s a big difference!); and sure, go ahead and call it FUNroe. My parents still live there, along with one of my sisters and her family. My other sister and her family live in Pennsylvania- way too far away, if you ask me. I’m the baby of the family, and my sisters and I are very close. No one in my family is in the medical or dental field, but my parents empowered me from a young age to believe in myself and that I could do or be whatever I wanted. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
I took a very early liking to all things dentistry. I used paper clips to make myself “braces,” and I loved going with my sisters to their orthodontic appointments. I always loved my dentist and had very pleasant experiences at the dental office as a child. With that said, I absolutely don’t take for granted those of you who have had the exact opposite types of experiences. I hear almost daily about traumatic dental appointments and events that make me cringe- often related to lack of proper anesthesia. One of my main goals as a dentist is to create a non-traumatic, comfortable environment for my patients of all ages- to ease the worries of those with major dental anxiety and help my little patients to never have a fear of the dentist.
I started seriously considering dentistry as a profession by the time I was in high school. I had a friend whose mom worked at an orthodontist’s office, and I started doing some shadowing. As I prepared to go to college, I knew that dentistry was the route I wanted to take, so I followed my sister to Mississippi College, where the acceptance rate into dental school following graduation was >90%. I met my husband John during college, fell madly in love, and got married as soon as we graduated. We then moved to New Orleans to attend dental school for me and medical school for him.
The fun really started after graduation! These last 7 years have been full of blessings and also quite crazy at times. Nothing has brought me more joy than the births of our 3 children, Anna, James, and Thomas. I always wanted to be a mom more than anything else, and it fulfills a part of my soul that nothing else could touch. They are the reason I’m motivated to work hard, and they are also the source of so much laughter and joy. My kids are continually teaching me grace, patience, flexibility, and compassion, all qualities that I find directly impact how I practice dentistry. I hope to show them a hard working mama that treats everyone like they are meaningful and loved.
My routine is probably about as chaotic as you would expect with a busy practice and three kids 5 years and younger. I try to make time for my health by starting the day with a workout. After the frantic morning routine of getting myself and 2 of the kids ready for school, I usually fly into the carpool line on two wheels. I have a LOT of help at home with our sitter, who is a literal God-send. Work begins with a review of the schedule and straight to business. I’m so grateful for the growth we’ve experienced over the last few years, but some days I am literally running from one room to the next. Those days call for Mexican food! We have a team meeting to close out the day (have I mentioned that I am NOTHING without my team) and then it’s home to the family. I try to cook 2-3 times per week and pray that the kids will actually eat what I’ve cooked. Then it’s usually a lot of giggles and silliness right until bedtime. I wouldn’t trade these long, busy days for anything!
I really am so fortunate to be doing my dream job. I absolutely love the patient interaction, the ability to help people, and the artistry to create something beautiful. Not to mention, I work with the most talented and compassionate group of women I’ve ever met. I have had the blessing of a supportive family to get me through the hard times and encourage me through the chaotic times. I look forward to the future with such hope and excitement, but I pray to never take for granted the present.
That’s a little about me; my hope is that you realize I’m just a normal, stressed mama trying to find joy in the little things, raise decent human beings, and keep learning and growing. 🙂