How We Approach Your Dental Care
We sit down and talk with you, and we listen. Dr. Shank takes time to describe what he sees clearly, explains your options, and helps you understand our recommendations. You're in control of your care, and we're here to support you with honest information and genuine guidance.
Most importantly, you'll work with the same team every time. We're not handing you off to whoever's available; we're building a relationship with you that lasts.
Why Patients Choose Us
We have patients from all over the state of Louisiana (and some from neighboring states) travel to seek the unique approach offered at our office.
Some patients choose Shank Dental Care because they prefer this kind of one-on-one attention. Others want a dentist who thinks beyond the tooth, and others want a provider that aligns with their values.
Whatever brings you here, we’re glad you found us. At Shank Dental Care, you'll find a team that genuinely cares, a dentist who takes time to get things right, and a practice built around making you feel comfortable, informed, and supported every step of the way.
Dr. Taylor Shank
Dr. Taylor Shank was born and raised in Lafayette, and he considers himself blessed to be able to serve the community he knows and loves. Dr. Shank is a graduate of St. Thomas More High School, UL Lafayette, and the LSU School of Dentistry.
Dr. Shank started his practice because he was unhappy with the profit-driven high-volume model that has become so common in the medical and dental fields. Dr. Shank saw the need to provide dental services for those patients looking for more holistic and minimally invasive treatment options. He focuses on quality over quantity, and you’ll feel the difference as soon as you step into the office.
Dr. Shank is married to his college sweetheart, Jennifer, another Lafayette native. They have two daughters, a beagle, and a cat. In his free time, he enjoys camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and photography.
Professional Organizations
- The International Academy of Oral Ceramic Implantology (IAOCI)
- The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT)
- The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM)
- The American Academy of Oral and Systemic Health (AAOSH)
- The American Academy of Orofacial Pain (AAOP)
Professional Education and Training
Always striving to improve his standard of care, Dr. Shank has recieved advanced training from the following organizations and remarkable leaders in this field:
- The Misch Implant Institute
- The Dawson Academy
- Spear Education
- The American Academy of Orofacial Pain
- The American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
- The Center for Neural Occlusion
- The International Academy of Oral Ceramic Implantology
- The Laser and Health Academy
- The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology
- The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine
- Swiss Dental Solutions
- The American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
- The Nejad Institute for Biomimetic Dentistry
- Myofunctional Research Co.
- Biological dental education and guidance under Dr. Judson Wall
- Craniofacial pain education under Drs. Brock Rondeau, Brendan Stack, and others.
- And much more
I am very impressed by Dr. Shanks' office as a whole. From the moment I first called I was greeted with authentic concern and a warm invitation. Dr. Shank is very knowledgeable, and treated me with care. Dr. Shank and his office all work well together giving me and all patients the best care possible.
- Yvonne