Sonya Arora
New York,NY
Summary
Passionate dental student with a strong focus on pediatric dentistry and a commitment to international outreach. Dedicated to providing exceptional care to children globally, emphasizing preventive education and treatment. Experienced in diverse clinical settings and eager to contribute to improving the oral health of children worldwide.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Volunteer
Smiling Faces Going Places (Dental Van)
New York, NY
01.2021 - Current
- Assisted in setting up and organizing the dental van for the outreach event
- Greeted and registered patients, ensuring all necessary paperwork was completed
- Performed basic dental screenings to assess oral health needs
- Educated children and parents about proper oral hygiene practices
- Provided fluoride treatments and dental sealants as needed
- Assisted dentists with dental procedures such as fillings and extractions
- Helped manage the flow of patients and ensured a smooth operation of the outreach event
- Cleaned and sterilized dental instruments and equipment.
Volunteer
Pediatric Dental Outreach
My Little Village Preschool, New York
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Assisted in setting up the outreach event at the school
- Provided dental screenings and assessments to children
- Performed preventive treatments such as fluoride varnish and dental sealants
- Educated children about the importance of oral hygiene and proper brushing techniques
- Demonstrated proper brushing and flossing techniques to children
- Distributed oral health care products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Identified and referred children with dental problems that require further treatment
- Worked alongside supervising dentists and other healthcare professionals
- Assisted in documenting and maintaining records of services provided.
Volunteer
Pediatric Dental Outreach
Preschool of America Chintown, New York
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Assisted in documenting and maintaining records of services provided, possibly in both English and Chinese
- Provided dental screenings and assessments to children
- Performed preventive treatments such as fluoride varnish and dental sealants
- Educated children about the importance of oral hygiene and proper brushing techniques, possibly using bilingual materials or translators
- Demonstrated proper brushing and flossing techniques to children
- Distributed oral health care products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, potentially including culturally appropriate items
- Assisted in documenting and maintaining records of services provided, possibly in both English and Chinese.
Board Member
Hearts in Motion
Guatemala
01.2018 - 01.2023
- Conducted comprehensive oral health assessments for patients
- Assessed the alignment of teeth and jaw to identify issues like overbite, underbite, or crossbite
- Identified congenitally missing teeth or teeth lost due to trauma or disease
- Recognized the presence of extra teeth, which can lead to crowding and alignment issues
- Noted any unusual shape or structure of teeth, which may indicate genetic conditions or developmental abnormalities
- Observed untreated cavities, which can lead to pain, infection, and tooth loss if left untreated
- Identified signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) such as swollen, red, or bleeding gums
- Recognized tooth erosion due to dietary factors or other habits, leading to tooth sensitivity and increased risk of decay.
Volunteer
Pediatric Sealant Clinic
Warren Edison, New Jersey
01.2023
- Provided dental sealant application to children's teeth to prevent caries
- Conducted oral health assessments and screenings
- Educated children and parents about proper oral hygiene practices
- Assisted the dentist during procedures
- Maintained accurate patient records
- Collaborated with other healthcare professionals to coordinate care
- Followed infection control and safety protocols
- Managed and ordered supplies for outreach.
Volunteer
Smile Olympics
New York, NY
01.2023
- Organized and coordinated the event, including scheduling and logistics
- Recruited participants from schools and community organizations
- Set up and managed competition stations for oral health activities and games
- Provided oral health education and demonstrations to participants
- Oversaw judging and scoring of competitions
- Awarded prizes and certificates to winners and participants
- Collected feedback and evaluated the event for future improvements
- Collaborated with sponsors, partners, and volunteers to ensure a successful event.
Lead Student Dentist
Dental Health Camp
Palatine, Illinois
01.2023
- Provided dental check-ups and screenings to attendees
- Educated attendees about oral hygiene practices and the importance of dental care
- Demonstrated proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Distributed oral health care products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Identified and referred individuals with dental problems that require further treatment
- Worked with volunteers to ensure the smooth operation of the camp
- Answered questions and provided advice on dental health
- Collaborated with local dental professionals and organizations to enhance the impact of the camp
- Documented and maintained records of services provided.
Volunteer
Give Kids a Smile Day
Garden City, NY
01.2023
- Provided free dental check-ups and screenings to children
- Performed preventive treatments such as fluoride varnish and dental sealants
- Educated children and parents about proper oral hygiene practices
- Demonstrated proper brushing and flossing techniques
- Distributed oral health care products such as toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Identified and referred children with dental problems that require further treatment
- Conducted oral health assessments and screenings
- Coordinated with volunteers and other healthcare professionals to ensure the smooth operation of the event
- Documented and maintained records of services provided.
Founder
Sealant/OHI Camp
Happy Tooth Dentistry, Mumbai
01.2022
- Conducted comprehensive oral health assessments for patients
- Specifically assessed for the presence of tongue ties and cleft palates
- Used clinical evaluation and diagnostic tools to identify tongue ties (ankyloglossia)
- Provided education to patients and caregivers about the impact of tongue ties on oral health and speech development
- Assisted in procedures such as tongue tie release procedures (frenectomy) using appropriate techniques and instruments
- Identified signs of cleft lip and palate during oral examinations
- Referred patients with suspected or confirmed cleft palate to specialized cleft centers for further evaluation and treatment
- Provided support and guidance to families of children with cleft palate, including information about treatment options and resources.
Founder
Watch our Kids Eat (WOKE)
Chicago, IL
01.2020
- Developed the mission, vision, and goals of the organization
- Established partnerships with food banks, schools, and other nonprofits
- Recruited volunteers and staff to support the organization's activities
- Fundraised through grants, donations, and events to support feeding programs
- Created and implemented feeding programs that address the needs of hungry kids
- Coordinated food distribution efforts and ensure meals reach those in need
- Advocated for policy changes that address the root causes of hunger
- Managed the organization's budget and finances
- Monitored and evaluated the impact of feeding programs
- Raised awareness about childhood hunger and the work of the organization through marketing and outreach efforts.
Volunteer
International Medical Relief
Nicaragua
01.2017
- Conducted oral health screenings and education sessions in communities to raise awareness about the importance of dental care
- Empowered individuals to take control of their oral health through education on proper oral hygiene practices and healthy habits
- Provided education and guidance to patients about the importance of regular dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene practices
- Referred patients to local dental clinics or specialists for follow-up care and treatment, especially for cases requiring advanced intervention
- Conducted comprehensive oral health assessments for patients
- Provided dental screenings and basic treatments such as cleanings and fluoride treatments under the supervision of licensed dentists
- Educated patients about oral hygiene practices and preventive care
- Assisted dentists during more complex procedures such as extractions or fillings.
Education
DDS Candidate -
NYU College of Dentistry
05-2025
Master of Public Health -
Loyola University Chicago
05-2020
Bachelors of Arts -
Depaul University
06-2018
Skills
- Preventive dentistry
- Critical thinking abilities
- Team leadership abilities
- Patient Care
- Medical Translation
- Community Outreach
Shadowing Experience
- Partnership for Smiles, New York, NY, 2023-2024
- Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities, New York, NY, 2023
- Pediatric Sedation Clinic, Chicago, IL, 2023
- Mid-Jersey Endodontics, New Brunswick, NJ, 2022-2023
- Lakeland Dental, Island Lake, IL, 2021-2023
- Perfect Smile Dental, Morristown, NJ, 2019-2021
Research
- Lead Research Assistant, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, 2018 -2020, Assisted Dr. Katsouli with literature reviews on a Hypertension study. Gathered and analyzed hypertension data. Proficiently sorted qualitative data using SPSS software. Thoroughly summarized project results. Performed tasks involving intense critical analysis.
- Student Assistant, Public Policy Department, DePaul University, Chicago, IL, 2016 - 2018, Answered phones while providing callers with accurate and concise information. Participated in monthly meetings and presenting new policy ideas. Actively created powerpoint points which depicted ideas for improving the department. Proficiently utilized Microsoft programs to create numerous flyers, invitations, etc. Collaborated with public health majors while giving presentations to the community about health and policy.
Additional Volunteer Experience
- Global Women's Health Outreach, Guatemala, 2019, Board Member, Conducted research and analysis on global women's health issues to inform outreach strategies. Assisted in the planning and coordination of the outreach event, including logistics and participant communication. Developed educational materials and presentations on women's health topics. Participated in community outreach activities to raise awareness about women's health issues. Provided support and guidance to women seeking health services at the event. Collaborated with local healthcare providers and organizations to ensure comprehensive care for participants. Documented and evaluated the impact of the outreach event for future improvement.
- Child and Maternal Health Screening Clinic, Johannesburg, South Africa, 2018, Board Member, Collaborated with local partners to plan and coordinate the child and maternal health outreach event. Provided strategic input and guidance based on expertise in child and maternal health. Helped secure funding and resources for the outreach event. Participated in meetings and discussions to ensure the event's goals were met. Assisted in the implementation of health education programs for mothers and children. Supported the delivery of healthcare services, including vaccinations and prenatal care. Contributed to monitoring and evaluation efforts to assess the impact of the outreach event. Engaged with local communities to understand their needs and concerns regarding child and maternal health.
Continuing Education
- Help Your Patients Thrive: How To Get Started Identifying and Treating Tongue Ties, 3 credits
- English Cleft Palate Speech Therapy, 0.5 credits
Languages
Hindi
Native/ Bilingual
Punjabi
Native/ Bilingual
Urdu
Native/ Bilingual
Timeline
Volunteer
Pediatric Sealant Clinic
01.2023
Volunteer
Smile Olympics
01.2023
Lead Student Dentist
Dental Health Camp
01.2023
Volunteer
Give Kids a Smile Day
01.2023
Volunteer
Pediatric Dental Outreach
01.2022 - 01.2023
Volunteer
Pediatric Dental Outreach
01.2022 - 01.2023
Founder
Sealant/OHI Camp
01.2022
Volunteer
Smiling Faces Going Places (Dental Van)
01.2021 - Current
Founder
Watch our Kids Eat (WOKE)
01.2020
Board Member
Hearts in Motion
01.2018 - 01.2023
Volunteer
International Medical Relief
01.2017
DDS Candidate -
NYU College of Dentistry
Master of Public Health -
Loyola University Chicago
Bachelors of Arts -
Depaul University
Similar Profiles
Myeshia JonesMyeshia Jones
Certified Babysitter at Smiling Faces DaycareCertified Babysitter at Smiling Faces Daycare
Angela AdamsAngela Adams
Director and Lead Teacher at Smiling Faces Daycare CenterDirector and Lead Teacher at Smiling Faces Daycare Center
Gloria HeusserGloria Heusser
Lead Teacher at Smiling Faces Bilingual DayCareLead Teacher at Smiling Faces Bilingual DayCare