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Meet Our Staff
Dr. Sarah Cavanaugh was raised in the Lake Region of North Dakota and is a proud member of the Spirit Lake Tribe. She graduated from Devils Lake High School in 2009 before earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Mary in Bismarck and her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in 2019.
Dr. Cavanaugh is passionate about lifelong learning and believes that continuing education is essential to providing exceptional patient care. She is committed to staying current with the latest advancements in dentistry, continually expanding her knowledge and clinical skills through advanced training and education. As dentistry continues to evolve, she is excited to bring new treatment options, technologies and services to the Lake Region, helping patients access comprehensive, modern dental care close to home.
She is an active member of the American Dental Association, North Dakota Dental Association, and the Society of American Indian Dentists. While she enjoys all aspects of dentistry, Dr. Cavanaugh is especially passionate about improving patients' oral health, restoring confidence in their smiles, and building lasting relationships with the families she serves.
Doctor
Sarah Cavanaugh
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Outside the office, Dr. Cavanaugh enjoys spending time with her three children- Sasha, Henry and DJ. She has a passion for traveling and loves exploring new places, experiencing different cultures, and making lasting memories with her family. Whether discovering a new destination or enjoying adventures closer to home, she values opportunities to learn, explore, and connect with others. When she's at home, she enjoys cooking and baking, cheering on local sports teams, and starting her day with a great cup of coffee-always happy to support local coffee shops along the way.
Dental Assistant
Jessica Schemionek
With an educational background in arts and science, I value the balance of work and life, enjoying the opportunity to connect with different people. Outside of work, I love skiing in the mountains with my husband and son, spending weekends with family at the lake, and drawing inspiration from my late grandma. My favorite quote, “Everything happens for a reason,” reflects my positive outlook—though I’ll admit, snakes are my biggest fear!
Dental Hygienist
Amber Neppl
With an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene, I love helping people improve their oral health, knowing it supports overall well-being. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, baking, winemaking, and spending time with family. Inspired by my parents and guided by the "KISS" rule, I strive for simplicity and balance in life. Fun fact: I have a twin sister who’s nine minutes older! My favorite quote, “It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation,” reminds me to stay true to myself.
Office Manager
Connie Smith
A high school graduate with one year of college, I love working with patients and spending time with family. My mom, who’s 94 and still golfs, is my biggest inspiration. I live by the advice, “Treat others as you would want them to treat you,” and my favorite quote, “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them,” reminds me to keep pushing forward. On weekends, I unwind by relaxing at home and maintain balance by being flexible—keeping work separate from home life.
Dental Assistant
Nikki Elsperger
With an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Science, I enjoy spending time by the lake, doing crosswords, and raising my son, August. My biggest inspiration is the beach with my family. I live by the advice, "Money doesn't grow on trees," and my favorite quote, "If it doesn't matter in a year, it doesn't matter," helps me keep perspective. On weekends, I unwind by cleaning, enjoying lake life, and watching Netflix. I maintain a great work-life balance at Lakeside Smiles, where no strategy is needed! Fun fact: I can’t stand the feeling of grass on my feet.
Dental Hygienist
Danae Lysne
With an associate degree in Applied Science/Dental Hygiene from NDSC, I’m passionate about patient care and education. Outside of work, I enjoy time with family, gardening, cooking, snowmobiling, and four-wheeling. My family is my biggest inspiration, and my favorite quote, "If you want to change the world, go home and love your family," reflects my values. On weekends, I unwind by reading, watching movies, or snuggling by the fire. As a low-key scrunchy mom, I try to maintain work-life balance by simply going with the flow. The best advice I’ve received: "Let it be a gift."
Front Office Receptionist
Colleen Schuler
As a Front Office Receptionist at Lakeside Smiles and a graduate of Devils Lake High School, I enjoy interacting with people the most in my job. Outside of work, I love reading, gardening, and quilting. My family is my biggest inspiration, and they’re my biggest champions. I live by the advice, "Be true to yourself and don't stress it," and my favorite quote, "Let Go, Let God," helps me stay grounded. On weekends, I unwind by spending time with family and maintaining balance by keeping things simple.