The good Cornellians can do: Nadia Rodriguez ’08

Nadia Rodriguez ’08 is a cosmetic dentist in New York City, where she works to restore her patients’ teeth to their best health and function. Healthy teeth look and feel better, she explains.

“Prevention and patient education is the best and least expensive way to improve oral health,” Nadia says.

Nadia admits that the Bronx holds a special place in her heart, since she spent her teen years there. When the director of Lutheran Social Services in the Bronx called to ask Nadia to talk to their preschool students about oral hygiene, she was happy to help.

Armed with toothbrushes and dental goody bags, Nadia shared tips for taking care of teeth and the importance of a healthy diet. She was impressed with how much her preschool audience already knew.

“They are so small (ages 2-5), and yet they understand that eating sugary foods is not good for their teeth and their bodies. And, they’re familiar with all the veggies and know that it's important to eat them,” Nadia says. “I also shared that chewing sugar-free gum is actually good for your teeth!”

This is Nadia’s second year volunteering with her young neighbors, and she hopes to return to Lutheran Social Services preschool again next year.

Cornellians around the globe are sharing how they do good in communities big and small. Share your own story.