Bio

Dr. Ribka grew up in San Francisco, California and began her advanced studies at the University of California at Davis where she majored in Physical Anthropology, with an emphasis in primate behavior. It was working with monkeys at the California Primate Research Center that sparked her interest in veterinary dentistry, and she went on to earn her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 2002 from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine. At UW-Madison, Dr. Ribka continued her pursuit in small animal dentistry, through elective classes and specific training with board certified veterinary dentist, Dr. Bill Gengler, earning the Gengler Dental Award her senior year. After completing Veterinary School, Dr. Ribka moved to New Orleans to marry Paul; she worked in general small animal veterinary practice as well as another 5 years in Primate Medicine, gaining further medical, dental and surgical skills.

In 2013 she began formal training in small animal dentistry and oral surgery and became a Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College July 1, 2022.  In October 2014, Drs. Ribka and Niemiec opened Louisiana’s first veterinary clinic devoted exclusively to veterinary dentistry, Gulf South Veterinary Dentistry & Oral Surgery, in New Orleans. 2016 saw the addition of a satellite clinic in Pensacola, FL. October 2018 brought the opening of a new, state-of-the-art, stand-alone veterinary dentistry facility in New Orleans. Dr. Ribka is also a partner in the Fresno and Dublin, California locations of our growing VDS network.

We strive to provide the best dental and oral care for patients in the greater New Orleans area and Gulf Coast region, and everywhere VDS is located, and we value our excellent relationships with our referral partners.

Dr. Ribka served as an officer of the Southeast Louisiana Veterinary Association for 10 years and is also a member of AVMA, F4VD, AAFP and Phi Zeta. She enjoys the outdoors, hiking, camping, and traveling, and appreciates good food, drinks, and the company of friends, colleagues and extended family. Dr. Ribka resides in New Orleans with her husband Paul and their three children, Damon and Nora (twins), and younger brother Quinn, in addition to a house full of animal kids! The Ribka animal family members include a longhaired chihuahua named Boca; three cats by the names of Bochy, Sonic, and Biscuits; and a 25-year-old leopard gecko.