Changing Children’s Lives ... One Smile at a Time

The mission of the PPS Office of Dental Services is to provide underserved children with access to comprehensive dental care and educate children & their families about the importance of dental hygiene. The goal of the Office of Dental Services at Paterson Public Schools (“PPS Dental”) is to work with families and providers of medical care (pediatricians, family physicians)  to improve the oral health of Paterson’s children by increasing their access to preventive oral health services and integrating early oral health as the medical standard of care for children. We envision a future where every child has access to a dentist and preventable dental diseases are eradicated.
The Paterson Public Schools (PPS) Office of Dental Services provides free comprehensive dental care to uninsured and underserved infants, children, adolescents and special needs patients ages 0-17, who are residents of Paterson. 

Dr. Aparna Kaimulayil

After graduating from New York University College of Dentistry with a doctorate in dental surgery, I completed my general practice residency at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center. I specialize in providing comprehensive, personalized dental care with a patient-centered approach. I previously worked in private practice and I am a member of the American Dental Association, the New Jersey State Dental Association, and the Passaic County Dental Society. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with family and gardening.

Yana Zaydel, RDH

I have worked in the dental field for almost 20 years as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, and now a teacher and dental coordinator for our district. Out of the many different offices and environments, I have had the privilege of working in the most rewarding part of my career, which has been caring for the dental needs of the children in my community. I am very excited to be able to continue to do this as the dental coordinator of our clinic. As for teaching dental assistance, there is nothing more inspiring to me than educating and helping young students build a successful future in a field I hold so close to my heart. 

Nesime Dokur, CDA

Nesime, or as patients call her, Sima, started her career in dentistry in 1981 in the US Army. She came to the PPS Office of Dental Services in 1999 after working in St. Joseph Dental Clinic for 15 years. Sima is a Certified Dental Assistant, and she assists the dentist in every treatment procedure.

Miriam Martinez, CDA

Miriam is a Certified Dental Assistant with over 20 years of experience. She joined PPS Dental in 2003 as a clinical assistant. Now she is responsible for the front desk and the outreach programs.