About Us
Ponderosa Smiles is a General Dentist office located in the beautiful Black Hills of Western South Dakota!
Rapid City's dental office that feels like a second home!
We will do everything possible to ensure your visit is comfortable and pain free.
Dr. Rob D. Lyons, D.D.S.
Dr. Rob Lyons was born and raised in Buffalo, South Dakota where he graduated high school in 2002. He was convinced that dentistry was his future after shadowing his local dentist throughout his senior year. He began his undergraduate studies at South Dakota State University and graduated in 2006 with a Biology/Pre Dental major and a Chemistry minor. He took a year off between undergrad and dental school to teach and coach at Harding County High School. The following year he began dental school at Creighton University in Omaha, NE and graduated in May of 2011.
Upon graduation from the renowned Creighton University School of Dentistry, Dr. Lyons was presented the Department of General Dentistry Award. This award recognized a graduating dentist that has demonstrated outstanding clinical skills and a gentle/caring professional approach to patient care. He does everything to continue this character description in his every day practice.
Dr. Lyons decided that the small town values of Western South Dakota are where his heart lies and decided to return following graduation. He has practiced dentistry in the Black Hills since 2011 and is excited to continue to serve Rapid City and the surrounding areas at Ponderosa Smiles!
Dr. Lyons and his wife Amber have one beautiful daughter, Kahlia and a strapping young son, Huxley. They are the highlight of his life and, as patients know, he talks about them constantly! When he is not practicing dentistry Dr. Rob and his family are outside enjoying all the outdoor opportunities that South Dakota has to offer including hiking, camping, hunting, fishing and gardening, just to name a few.
Staff
Kimberly "Kim" Ellerton
Kimberly "Kim" Ellerton
Kimberly "Kim" Ellerton
Kim was born and raised in South Dakota and she has worked with Dr. Rob for most of her dental career. She puts patients first and their care above all else. She thoroughly enjoys being a part of helping everyone achieve a smile they are proud of. Most days now, she can be found hidden behind the scenes of the office keeping everything functioning. If she's not at the office, she is busy traveling with her three children in all their activities and adventures, as well as, loving her yard full of animals.
Jamie Bergan
Kimberly "Kim" Ellerton
Kimberly "Kim" Ellerton
Jamie has worked in the dental field for over 15 years and has attained her certification as a registered dental assistant and certified orthodontic assistant. She loves spending time with family and her puppy Pippa, and also enjoys fishing and going outdoors. Her favorite part about working in the dental field is getting to know the patients and building relationships with them. She has a passion for helping people and making them feel like family.
Cassidy Biers
Kimberly "Kim" Ellerton
Izabell Bartels
Dental hygiene is Cassidy's passion and you can tell by how she practices dentistry in our office. She loves hearing and learning about new happenings in her patients lives. While in her chair, you may also get the chance to hear about her husband, Travis, her dog and three kittens. In her free time, she enjoys working with her husband on DIY projects around their home, woodworking and spending game nights with her family.
Izabell Bartels
Izabell Bartels
Izabell Bartels
Izzy was born in Sturgis and after graduating from Central High School, she earned a degree at South Dakota State University in human biology and microbiology. She then attended Carl Sandburg College and graduated with the Irene Newman award. When she is not at work, she enjoys the outdoors, going to the lake and being with her dogs, Berkeley and Winston. She cares for those in her chair like family and will bring joy to anyone who gets to hear her laugh.
Caitlin Duffy
Izabell Bartels
Caitlin Duffy
Caitlin has been a dental assistant since 2013. She has a range of experience including pediatrics, surgery, and endodontics. Caitlin has strong ties to Eastern and Central South Dakota but has always loved the Black Hills where she attended college, met her husband, started her family and has resided since 2006. Her two sons keep her busy with wrestling, soccer, basketball, golf, swimming and general horse play! Caitlin loves the West River family atmosphere of Ponderosa Smiles and being able to lend her knowledge and skills to the type of attention to detail that only a sole practitioner can provide.
Amber Bunney
Izabell Bartels
Caitlin Duffy
Amber graduated from Western Dakota Tech with her Dental Assisting degree in May 2021. She loves to learn new things about the dental field and is happy to assist in patients needs. One of her biggest strengths is making sure everyone stays organized and on time. She grew up in the beautiful Black Hills and enjoys her time with her little boy and husband, Rylan. In her spare time, she loves being in the outdoors with her friends and family.