SERENA A. SIMONE

Compassionate and skilled pediatric dentist with advanced fellowship training in Special Care Dentistry, Autism care, and Public Health. Dedicated to increasing access to care for individuals with disabilities through clinical innovation, outreach, and interdisciplinary education. Experienced in behavioral and sensory integration techniques, interdisciplinary collaboration, and dental education for residents and pre-doctoral students. Committed to improving oral health outcomes through local and global service.

• Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, 01/21
• Certificate in Special Care Dentistry, 01/21
• LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities) Graduate
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
• Invisalign Certified
• Opalescence Whitening System Certified

• 2023, Rising Faculty Award, NYU Academy of Distinguished Educators
• 2022, Dr. Ira Lamster Scholarship Award, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
• 2018, American Association of Public Health Dentistry Award
• 2018, Dr. Bernard E. Rudner Memorial Award
• 2018, Pediatric Dentistry Alumni Award, NYU College of Dentistry
• 2018, NYU President's Service Award
• 2017, Student of the Year, NYU College of Dentistry
• 2016, New York State Dental Foundation Student Recognition Award, for Improving the Oral Health of Underserved Populations

• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD)
• Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA)
• American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD)
• American Dental Association (ADA)

• 2024 - Present, Consultant, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine - Development of Physical Support Protocol and Training for Pediatric and AEGD Departments
• 2023 - 2024, Consultant, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine - Pre doctoral Educational Cases Development

• Orthodontic Lecture Series on Disability Dentistry, NYU College of Dentistry, Ongoing interdisciplinary series on inclusive orthodontic care.
• Understanding Physical Supports in Pediatric Dentistry: Supporting Physical, Sensory, and Motor Needs for Improved Dental Care, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, 2025, CE course
• Effective Care and Access for Individuals with Disabilities, Bellevue Hospital Pediatric Dentistry, 2024, departmental lecture
• Special Care Dentistry, 2024, HDA/HSDA Student Regional Conference, CE Course
• Oral Health & Dementia: A Clinical Care Model, NYU College of Dentistry, 2024, CE course
• Navigating Dental Care for ADRD, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 2024, caregiver and provider seminar
• Sensory & Oral-Motor Strategies in Developmental Disabilities, AOTA Annual Conference, 2024, interdisciplinary workshop
• Special Needs Dentistry Series, NYU Pediatric Dentistry Didactics, Recurring since 2023.
• Behavioral and Sensory Integration in Dental Care, Oral Health Center Training Series, 2023-2024
• Dental Desensitization & Visual Tools, Center for Discovery, 2023-2024, Collaborative sessions.
• Innovations in Inclusive Care Models, Universidad de los Andes, Chile, 2023, international lecture
• Improving Oral Care for Underserved Populations, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 2022

• Preparing a publication for Integrating Surgical and Sensory Techniques in Dental Care for Individuals with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD): A Case Report.
• Preparing a publication on Columbia Dental Medicine pediatric residents' views on care approaches for patients with IDD.
• Preparing a publication on Columbia Dental Medicine pediatric residents' views on care for individuals with Special Care Needs before and after training in sensory-informed, tailored approaches.
• Currently co-authoring a guidebook to equip dental professionals with tools for addressing sensory processing challenges and oral-motor weaknesses in Autism Spectrum Disorder and IDD individuals.

• Faculty advisor and volunteer with the Ali Forney Center (LGBTQ+ youth support)
• Quarterly outreach visits to The Center for Discovery in Monticello, NY, providing interdisciplinary support and hands-on training in behavioral and sensory-informed dental care
• Annual outreach to La Romana, Dominican Republic, delivering dental care and training in special care dentistry for children and adults with disabilities
• Nepal (Surket & Kathmandu) - Henry Schein Global Outreach (2016, 2018)
• Peru - VOSH International (2013-Present)
• International Rescue Committee - Dental Education (2017-2020)