Our latest Queens People of the week not only are brightening up the days but also the smiles of some of the borough's youngest residents. NY1's Leisha Majtan introduces us.
Dr. Arelys Santana always knew she would someday have a job where she would help others.
"I have a passion for what I do!" said Dr. Arelys Santana, our Queens Person of the Week.
That's why she became a dentist.
Santana is a member of the Queens County Dental Society.
On top of seeing their private patients, she and the Society’s other members give back to those who may not be able to afford regular dental care.
On Wednesday, the Dental Society teamed up with the non-profit "Tzu-Chi Foundation" to give free oral health screenings to students at P.S. 201.
"At the age of six they should have regular dental treatments so it's a good age to start off with them -- to give them the proper dental education and oral hygiene instructions," said Dr. Kenneth Liao, our Queens Person of the Week.
The volunteer dentists screened more than 300 students and gave them all oral hygiene kits. And, if they found a cavity, they referred the children to see a dentist for a regular check-up.
And the take-away for the kids?
"It's important to stay healthy and brush your teeth because if you don't brush your teeth, they will be dirty or yellow," said Madison Ramos, a student at P.S. 201.
For the dentists, they just want to teach the students that prevention is key to a healthy smile.
"Oral health, it's basically the foundation of the body's health. We have to start from the beginning, prevent any diseases from happening and keep them healthy!" said Dr. Eric Huang, our Queens Person of the Week.
And so for using their skills to brighten the smiles of others, the members of the Queens County Dental Society are our Queens People of the Week.