Elwood Family Dental Care

04/08/2026

We apologize our phones are not working!
We hope to have this resolved soon!

03/26/2026

MEET Jessica!!

Registered Dental Hygienist

Jessica joined the dental field in 2018 and became a valued member of the Elwood Family Dental Care team in 2021. A proud graduate of the UNMC College of Dentistry, Jessica brings a genuine passion for patient care and a strong commitment to oral health.

As a registered dental hygienist, Jessica works closely with patients to improve and maintain their gum and overall oral health. In addition to hygiene care, she also assists Dr. Elwood with restorative procedures and is licensed to administer local anesthesia.

Jessica loves being part of a team that works so well together, creating a fun, easy-going environment where everyone pitches in to ensure the best possible care for each patient.

She was drawn to dentistry by her desire to help others, especially by giving patients greater confidence in their smiles and contributing to their overall well-being.

Outside the office, Jessica enjoys spending time outdoors on walks, discovering new recipes to cook for her family, and baking homemade sourdough. A fun fact: she’s an enthusiastic Husker volleyball fan!

03/19/2026

MEET SHELBY

Registered Dental Assistant/Front Desk
Shelby wears many hats at Elwood Family Dental Care, from managing insurance payments and scheduling appointments to assisting Dr. Elwood chairside when needed. As a valued member of the front desk and clinical team, Shelby helps ensure patients receive seamless, compassionate care from the moment they walk in the door.

Shelby began her journey in dentistry in 2010 and officially joined the Elwood Family Dental team in 2019. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Addiction Studies from the University of South Dakota and earned her RDA certification through Lake Area Technical College. Her diverse background gives her a unique ability to support patients not only with their dental needs, but with kindness and understanding.

What Shelby loves most about her work is the upbeat, team-driven atmosphere. “There’s hardly ever a dull moment here—we do have fun and work together to take great care of our patients.” Thanks to cross-training and strong communication, Shelby and her coworkers can jump in wherever they’re needed.

When she’s not at the office, Shelby is a busy mom of three and enjoys time with her family at their river cabin. She also has a love for coffee-fueled “mom errands,” fresh manicures, and staying up with the latest trends in makeup and home décor. A fun fact? Shelby comes from a big family—she’s the youngest of eight siblings, with seven sisters and one brother!

03/11/2026

MEET MELISSA!!

Registered Dental Hygienist
With two decades of experience in dental hygiene, Melissa Maska brings both expertise and heart to every patient interaction. A proud graduate of the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, Melissa joined Elwood Family Dental in 2023 and has been building strong, trusting relationships with patients and their families ever since.

Her favorite part of dentistry? Creating positive experiences, just like the ones she had growing up, that help patients feel at ease while supporting their oral health goals. Melissa values clear communication, attention to detail, and making every patient feel seen, heard, and cared for.

Outside the office, Melissa is passionate about giving back. She leads Restore Foster Closet, a local nonprofit that supports foster children and families. When she’s not serving her community, she enjoys hiking, boating, traveling, and cheering on her kids at their activities. And if there’s coffee nearby, you’ll likely find her with a cup in hand!

03/06/2026

HAPPY DENTAL ASSISTANT’S WEEK to our amazing dental assistants - Ashley and Shawnda! Thanks for all you do! You are appreciated! A couple of weeks ago, we featured Ashley, so today…

Meet Shawnda!
Registered Dental Assistant

Shawnda is one of the many friendly faces you’ll see at Elwood Family Dental. As a registered dental assistant, she plays a crucial role in patient care, assisting Dr. Elwood with procedures ranging from fillings and crowns to implants, dentures, and children’s cleanings. She also keeps the clinical side of the office running smoothly by managing sterilization and room preparation, ensuring each patient’s visit is seamless and comfortable.

Shawnda completed her dental assistant training at Lake Area Tech and has been in the dental field for over 11 years, starting her journey at a pediatric office before earning her certification in 2018. She has been part of the Elwood Family Dental team since 2022, and what she loves most is the variety her role offers, from assisting during procedures to educating patients about their oral health.

Outside of the office, Shawnda spends much of her time on her family’s farm, where she and her husband, Kyle, are raising their children with a love for the land, animals, and the simple joys of rural life.

She also enjoys time at the family cabin by the river, girls’ days with her mom and grandma, and a good shopping trip. A giver at heart, Shawnda’s love language is gift-giving, and she’s an active supporter of local foster families through the WRAP program in Yankton.f itrer

02/19/2026

MEET SYDNEY!!
Registered Dental Hygienist

Sydney is a dedicated dental hygienist who brings compassion, professionalism, and a genuine love for patient care to every appointment. She attended Southeast Technical College in 2020 to become a dental assistant and subsequently earned her dental hygiene degree from the University of South Dakota in 2025. She officially joined the Elwood Family Dental Care team in May 2025.

Sydney’s passion for dentistry is rooted in her desire to help others feel confident, cared for, and informed. She especially enjoys building trusting relationships with patients and guiding them toward better oral health through education and encouragement. Her calm, friendly demeanor helps patients feel at ease, while her strong teamwork values contribute to the supportive and collaborative environment at Elwood Family Dental Care.

Originally from the Midwest, Sydney once took a leap and moved to Boise, Idaho, to attend Boise State University—Go Broncos! When she’s not caring for patients, you’ll likely find her walking her dogs, enjoying time on the river, trying out new recipes, or relaxing with a good book or podcast.

02/12/2026

MEET CHLOE!!!!

Registered Dental Hygienist

Chloe Schmitt is a registered dental hygienist who began her career at Elwood Family Dental Care in June 2025 after earning her degree from the University of South Dakota. Chloe is passionate about helping patients maintain healthy smiles through thorough oral assessments, patient education, and professional cleanings. Her focus on infection control, sterilization, and OSHA compliance ensures a safe and sanitary environment for everyone in the practice.

Chloe is known for creating a positive, patient-centered atmosphere. She values open communication and builds strong relationships with her patients, helping them feel comfortable and confident in their care. Her collaborative and proactive approach also makes her a key contributor to the friendly and efficient team dynamic at the office.

Inspired by her own calm, positive dental experiences growing up, Chloe chose a career in dentistry to offer the same kind of reassurance to others, especially those who may feel anxious in the dental chair.

Outside the office, Chloe enjoys reading, playing pickleball, and going on walks with her cockapoo, Louie. She’s recently discovered a love for photography with her new professional-style camera. And here’s a fun fact: she has a metal screw in her foot from a high school injury—ask her about it sometime!

02/07/2026

MEET ASHLEY!!!
Dental Assistant

Ashley is a dental assistant at Elwood Family Dental. She plays an important role in assisting the doctor during exams and procedures while maintaining high standards of sterilization and infection control to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for patients.

Ashley began working in dentistry in 2025 and is pursuing formal dental assisting education this fall. She was drawn to the dental field as a positive career change that allows her to help others while continuing to learn and grow professionally. She enjoys the supportive team atmosphere and working with kind, appreciative patients.

Outside of the office, Ashley enjoys gardening, hiking, and reading. She has a unique hobby of home canning produce from her garden and is known for being very detail-oriented and enjoying keeping things organized.

01/29/2026

Meet Kara!!
Front Office Coordinator

Kara is the front office coordinator at Elwood Family Dental. She is known for her positive attitude, compassion, and commitment to making sure patients and coworkers feel supported and cared for. She always strives to get things taken care of and keep the office running smoothly.
With more than two decades of experience in office settings, Kara brings a strong administrative background to the dental field. She previously worked as a front office coordinator at a dental clinic in Creighton, Nebraska, for more than five years and holds an associate’s degree in administration from Northeast Community College. Kara began working in dentistry in 2020 and joined Elwood Family Dental in November 2025.
Kara enjoys getting to know patients, chatting with them during their visits, and solving problems, especially when it comes to dental insurance. She values being part of a supportive team that works together to help one another.
Outside of work, Kara enjoys cooking with her kids, hiking, and spending time with her dog. She also loves collecting rocks!

01/23/2026

Check out our new website!

Our Yankton SD Dentist office is currently accepting new patients. Book your appointment with Elwood Family Dental Care today.

12/15/2025

We are OPEN today!

12/11/2025

We are CLOSED!
For the safety of our staff and patients, we are closed today. We will call patients tomorrow to reschedule!