VDS Doctor

Dr. Erin Ribka

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine

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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. Working with monkeys at the California Primate Research Center sparked her interest in veterinary dentistry, and she earned 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 of small animal dentistry, through elective classes and specific training with Board Certified Veterinary DentistTM, 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 on 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, renamed Gulf South Veterinary Dental Specialties, part of the growing VDS family of locations across the US. And in 2024, GSVDS expanded yet again, adding additional state-of-the-art cone beam CT imaging, standard full body radiology, and client comfort space in a beautiful, historic, brick building in New Orleans.

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, drink, 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 named Bochy, Sonic, and Biscuits, and a 28-year-old leopard gecko.