At Elwood Family Dental Care, our goal is to give you and your family a dental experience like no other. We offer comprehensive dental care to patients of all ages, so whether it’s your child’s first visit, you want to explore enhancing your smile with cosmetic dentistry, or your parents are ready to learn about their tooth replacement options, we’ve got you covered.
From routine exams and checkups to emergency dental care, we are equipped to care for all your dental needs. Our focus is on building relationships; we do this by spending time getting to know you and listening to your unique needs before exploring the best ways to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.
We invite you to visit and discover what sets us apart!
Dr. Paige Elwood, DDS
Dentist
Dr. Paige Elwood is proud to serve the Yankton community as the owner and dentist at Elwood Family Dental Care. A native of Yankton, Dr. Elwood brings a personal touch to her practice, caring for generations of families she has known for years. She finds immense joy in working with patients of all ages and loves the variety that dentistry brings to her daily life.
Dr. Elwood earned her undergraduate degree from the University of South Dakota before completing her dental education at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. She began her professional journey in 2009, practicing at Neighborhood Dental in Yankton for nine years. In 2017, she fulfilled a longtime dream by acquiring Dr. Grossenburg’s practice and rebranding it as Elwood Family Dental Care.
For Dr. Elwood, dentistry is more than just a profession; it’s a chance to give back to the community that shaped her. Inspired by a pivotal conversation with her orthodontist just before high school graduation, she found her calling in dental care and has never looked back.
At the heart of her practice is a dynamic and compassionate team. “We not only take care of our patients, but we take care of each other,” says Dr. Elwood. “While our main focus is patient care, we make sure to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while doing it.”
Outside the office, Dr. Elwood is an avid supporter of her children’s sports and a proud fan of the Yankton High School Bucks and Gazelles. She's passionate about her community and schools, and when she’s not cheering from the sidelines, you might find her at a country music concert; she’s been to at least 26! A lover of true crime documentaries, Dr. Elwood also enjoys binge-watching Netflix in her downtime.
With deep local roots and a genuine passion for patient care, Dr. Elwood is dedicated to helping her patients smile with confidence while ensuring that her team and practice are filled with positivity and laughter every step of the way.
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!
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!
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!
Sydney
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 2023. 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.
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.
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 two (soon to be 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!
Amanda
Dental Receptionist
As one of the first smiling faces you’ll see at Elwood Family Dental Care, Amanda is passionate about making patients feel welcome, informed, and cared for from the moment they walk through the door. With a background in medical office management and a strong focus on customer service, Amanda handles everything from scheduling and insurance coordination to maintaining patient records, with warmth and attention to detail.
Amanda holds an AAS degree as a Medical Office Professional from Mitchell Technical College. After stepping away from dentistry for a short time, she found herself missing the fast pace and rewarding patient interactions that come with being part of a great dental team. She joined Elwood Family Dental Care in early 2025, drawn by the practice’s positive environment and collaborative spirit.
Her favorite part of the job? Creating genuine connections with patients and supporting a team that values open communication and shared purpose. She believes that a great dental visit starts with a great atmosphere, and she works hard to ensure that every patient leaves with a positive experience.
Outside the office, Amanda enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and two daughters, especially around the Yankton community’s recreation areas. Whether it's fishing, hiking, or simply exploring trails, they love making the most of family time in nature. And when she’s not at the front desk, you might find her lending a hand at CNE Construction, the family business she co-owns with her husband, where she helps bring new spaces to life.