Dr. Nelson became interested in dentistry at age 16 as a great way to help people by combining artistic skill, science, and teaching. She is practicing for 30 years as a family and cosmetic dentist in Sunnyside, Queens, N.Y. She feels very privileged to be able to positively impact people's lives and health.

Dr. Nelson believes that anything worth doing should be done sincerely and as beautifully a possible.

Educational background:

• Queens College of CUNY, BA Biology with honors
• University of Pennsylvania, School of Dental Medicine
• Catholic Medical Center, NY, General Practice Residency

Professional associations and continuing dental education:
Dr. Nelson continues to improve her skills and techniques by attending lectures, conferences, study clubs, and reading in order to stay current on the latest that dentistry has to offer. She has taken thousands of hours of coursework to date and enjoys being able to offer new techniques and materials to help our patients.

• Academy of General Dentistry, Fellow
• American Dental Association
• New York State Dental Association
• Queens County Dental Society - recently cited for outstanding participation in continuing education
• New York Dental Forum Study Club
• Spear Dental Study Club

Extracurricular Dental Activities:
Dr. Nelson visits various local schools, speaking on topics such as pre-K introduction to dentistry; elementary and middle school preventative care, nutrition and label reading; careers in dentistry. She has volunteered for dental cancer screenings at the New York State Fair.
Outside the office, she enjoys painting, pastel, cooking, and reading. She plays several musical instruments and composes and arranges choral music for a choir she directs. Dr. Nelson lives in Queens with her husband and daughter.

When you arrive, you will be warmly greeted by Tina Perez, the smiling face at the front desk. Tina is a native New Yorker. She has a background in advertising and marketing, and spent some years as the ultimate executive - a fulltime mom - before learning the business side of dentistry several years ago. Tina is our 'go-to' person who will schedule your appointments, handle your paperwork and insurance needs and review your treatment plan questions with efficiency and a smile.

Tina is an avid sports enthusiast and baseball mom. She enjoys reading, travelling and camping when she can with her two children, who are a source of great pride.

Our clinical assistant, Lilian Rengifo, is originally from Colombia, S.A., and has lived in New York for many years. After working in a dental laboratory, Lilian studied at the New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants, earning her certificate in 2002. She joined our staff as an intern and has been the clinical arm of our team ever since. Lilian keeps our instruments and supplies in working order and the treatment rooms well stocked and clean. She has a special knack for making our patients feel comfortable during their visits.

Lilian enjoys travelling and movies and is close to her friends and family. She is the proud mom of a young adult son.