NYU Dental and Nursing Vans Deliver On-Site Health Services and Education at PS 73 in Brooklyn, June 8th

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz to be on-hand to welcome the “sister” vans to PS 73 at 10:00am

For the past eight years, the New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) has provided comprehensive dental services for children in pre-K through the fifth grade at PS 73 through its mobile dental care program, Smiling Faces, Going Places.

On June 8, 2009 from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm, at the Thomas S Boyland School (PS 73), 241 Macdougal Street, Brooklyn, NY, the New York University College of Nursing’s (NYUCN) Feeling Good in Your Neighborhood medical services van will for the first time join Smiling Faces, Going Places mobile dental care program to expand access to primary health services for Brooklyn youngsters.

“Our objective,” said NYUCD Dean Charles Bertolami, is “to underscore the proposition that New York’s youngsters deserve both the best general health care and the best oral health care.” By bringing the two “sister” vans together, NYU is expressing its commitment to total health care for New York City youngsters.

Groups of children in pre-K through first grade will come aboard the nursing van beginning at 9:30 am to receive health promotion education. Each child will also receive a free teddy bear. At the same time, groups of children in pre-K through fifth grade will receive dental care aboard the dental van, as well as a “goody bag” of dental care products. At 10:00am, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is scheduled to officially welcome the “sister” vans to PS 73.

Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President, said, “As someone who was chubby as a kid and has struggled with weight and health issues in my ‘maturer’ years (not to mention that my family’s dental history is a dentist’s dream!), I know that getting our children on the road to healthy lifestyles in their most formative years is critical in the battle against childhood obesity, diabetes, and other medical issues that affect Brooklynites at alarming rates. So, bravo to the NYU College of Dentistry and the NYU College of Nursing for taking good health ‘on the road’-providing mobile dental and medical services that give students at PS 73 even more reasons to smile and live long and healthy lives!”

Frank Boyland, 55th Assembly District Assembly Member, said, “NYU has historically assisted the underserved communities and has been a great asset to the Thomas Boyland School. We look forward to partnering with NYU to continue the good service to the 55th Assembly District.”

Velmanette Montgomery, 18th Senate District Senator, said, “The addition of Feeling Good in Your Neighborhood medical services to the Smiling Faces, Going Places program will further expand the health resources and education for the wonderful children of the area. And for that I am very grateful. Thanks to this initiative, there will be many smiling faces in Brooklyn, including mine! Congratulations and my thanks.”

Reporters interested in covering this event should contact Christopher James by calling 212.998.6876 or by email at christopher.james@nyu.edu

About New York University College of Dentistry
Founded in 1865, New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD) is the third oldest and the largest dental school in the US, educating more than 8 percent of all dentists. NYUCD has a significant global reach and provides a level of national and international diversity among its students that is unmatched by any other dental school.

About New York University College of Nursing:
The College of Nursing at the College of Dentistry is located on New York University’s historic Greenwich Village campus in New York City. The College of Nursing is one of the leading nursing programs in the United States. The College offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Master of Arts and Post-Master’s Certificate Programs; and a Doctor of Philosophy in Research Theory and Development. For more information, visit www.nyu.edu/nursing.