Meet Our Team
Dr. Ridgley
Diplomate of American Board of Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Ridgley has been a practicing dentist for over 30 years. Since 1985, she has devoted her career to the special needs of children. Dr. Ridgley worked as a clinical dentist at OHSU, Child Development and Rehab Center, treating Cleft Lip and Palate Children and Special Needs Children. As well she was on staff at OHSU Dental School as a Clinical Educator, teaching both Graduate and Undergraduate Dental Students.
Dr. Ridgley served 4 years on the Oregon State Board, an appointee of Governor Barbara Roberts. Dr. Ridgley was the first woman Dentist and first specialist to serve on the Board. In 1994, Dr. Ridgley served one year as the President of the Board of Dentistry. Other duties of the Board Members include serving as a dental examiner (Western Regional Examination Board) and an evaluator concerning consumer complaints for the state.
Dr. Ridgley attends classes on a National and state level to refine dental techniques and obtain knowledge about new procedures and equipment. Dr. Ridgley maintains current and exceeds requirements of the Oregon State Board of Dentistry's Continuing Education requirements.
Active Staff at Legacy Emanuel Hospital (Section Chair 2002-2003)
Active Memberships
American Academy of Pediatric Dentists
American Dental Association
Oregon Dental Association
Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentists
Dr. Yarborough
Dr. Yarborough was raised in Federal Way Washington and graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in Psychology and a dental degree four years later. After dental school she completed a General Practice Residency at the UW which provided extensive training in anesthesia, oral surgery, hospital dentistry and pediatric dentistry. She rotated through various hospitals in the greater Seattle area including Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, the VA and the University of Washington Medical Center. She also worked closely with providers at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance while collaborating on dental care needs for patients requiring various forms of cancer treatment. After the GPR, Dr. Yarborough moved to Portland to complete her fellowship and residency training in Pediatric Dentistry at OHSU. She joined the faculty after graduation and is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at the Dental School and Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Pediatric Dental Surgery Clinic which specializes in providing dental care for children and adolescents with special needs. She also has staff privileges at Legacy Emanuel Hospital where she provides dental care for young children and patients with special needs who require general anesthesia. In her free time, she loves to serve and attend her local church, spend time with her family and friends and stay active while golfing in the summer and snowboarding in the winter. She is thrilled to join Dr. Ridgley and the incredible staff and hopes to develop great relationships in the beautiful community of Tualatin.
Active Memberships
American Dental Association
Oregon Dental Association
Multnomah County Dental Society
American Academy of Pediatric Dentists
Oregon Academy of Pediatric Dentists
International Association for Dental Research
American Association for Dental Research
Staff
Meet Our Dental Hygienists
Debbie Smeralgio RDH has worked with kids as a hygienist over 25 years in the Portland area and has been with Dr Ridgley 1 year. She loves kids and the enthusiasm they bring to her every day. She is a former teacher and grew up in the Portland area. She is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University where she received her BA in English. She attended PCC Dental hygiene and received a A.S. in Dental Hygiene. As well, she has worked on her Masters from at Middlebury College in Vermont. She loves soccer and has season tickets to the University of Portland Pilots. She is married to George and has 2 grown married sons Matt and Jake.
Sarah Kowalski RDH has been with Dr. Ridgley’s office since 2010 but has known Dr. Ridgley her entire life as she is Dr. Ridgley’s oldest daughter. She is a 2003 graduate of Madison Area Technical College in Madison, WI. There she completed her A.A.S. in Dental Hygiene. Prior to getting her dental hygiene degree, Sarah received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sarah is married to Brian and they have two wonderful children, Braden and Allie. The whole family are avid Wisconsin Badger fans!
Marcia Livesay RDH graduated from OHSU in 1983. She spent over twenty years in general dentistry prior to coming to work part-time with Dr. Ridgley in 2006. Marcia enjoys the unique challenges and rewards that a pediatric practice presents. She enjoys working with patients that range from infant to college, special needs and medically compromised. A parent herself, Marcia truly appreciates the caring, nurturing and child-friendly environment our office provides.
Meet Our Assistants
Wendy Rodgers, EFDA has been a certified Expanded functions Dental Assistant for over 25 years, 20 of which has been with Dr. Ridgley. She took time off to be home with her two sons who are now ages 16 and 20. As Dr. Ridgley’s chair side office and hospital assistant, Wendy enjoys children of all ages and enjoys creating a positive experience with each patient. She lives in Lake Oswego and enjoys skiing, volunteering in the local theater, spending time with friends and traveling. Her favorite trips have been to New York and Ireland.
Beth Zbinden, EFDA has been a certified Expanded Function Dental Assistant for over 20 years in several practices, including 12 years in pediatric dentistry. This by far is her favorite specialty because she loves to have fun and interact with kids of all ages. She is Dr. Ridgley’s hygiene assistant and community dental education provider. Her favorite activity besides working with children in the office is visiting our local preschools teaching dental education. She is the mother of two kids now ages 18 and 20 and a boxer named Ozzie.
