Confident Smiles Start Here on 41st Street

Dr. Blake Ridgway grew up in West Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Ridgway’s career started when he attended Augustana University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with honors in Biology. He continued his education at the Creighton University School of Dentistry where he received his DDS.

Our dentist in Sioux Falls has always loved the health sciences and working with his hands. Dentistry allowed him to channel both of these passions while being able to work with people too.

Dr. Ridgway loves to see the joy he can bring to patients as they leave with a new, healthy smile.

Dr. Ridgway is married to his college sweetheart, Lauren, and together, they have two children. Outside of the office, he enjoys being outdoors, running, and biking. He also loves to travel and read non-fiction books to broaden his perspective of the world.

Dr. Robert L. Swenson grew up in Chamberlain, SD. Dr. Swenson attended the University of South Dakota earning his undergraduate degree. He continued his education at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry where he received his DDS.

Dr. Swenson decided dentistry was right for him after shadowing his cousin. He now loves getting to know patients and working with our team to provide a great experience for all patients. He also has a passion for dental technology, and was one of the first dentists in South Dakota to offer CEREC® Same-Day Crowns.

He is married to Mary (a dental hygienist), and together, they raised three children and started a practice in Miller, SD before moving to Sioux Falls, SD. In his free time, Dr. Swenson enjoys spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and participating in retriever field trial competitions with his labradors.

Dr. Sara Van Demark graduated from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and then went on to graduate from Creighton University School of Dentistry.

After graduation she lived in Rochester, MN and worked in public health providing dental care to under-served populations for four years.

As a Sioux Falls native, Dr. Van Demark is excited to be back in her home town with her husband and two small children.

She looks forward to being a part of the Sioux Falls community and providing comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages.

Goose is more than just a friendly face—he’s a certified therapy dog and a beloved member of our dental team. With his gentle demeanor and calm temperament, Goose has a special way of making patients feel at ease the moment they arrive. Trained through Paws Pet Resort’sThis link opens a new tab to the Paws Pet Resort website Puppy 101/201, Basic 101/201, and Advanced 301 programs, Goose earned his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification through the AKC before becoming a certified therapy dog.

His journey began with Therapy Dogs International (TDI), where he brought comfort to patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Today, he’s certified through the Alliance of Therapy DogsThis link opens a new tab to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs website (ATD), allowing him to support patients right here in our dental office on 41st Street. Goose has a keen ability to read emotions and offer comfort during everything from routine check-upsThis link leads to the Exams page to more complex procedures.

He’s happiest when helping others feel safe and relaxed—and we’re lucky to have him as part of the Neighborhood Dental family. Goose is proudly owned by our dental hygienist, Courtney.