The Facts
Born and raised on Long Island, Dr. Equinda attended Vanderbilt University for her undergraduate studies where she majored in Neuroscience and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree. After her time in Nashville, she returned home to New York to pursue a role as a research technician at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center where she co-authored numerous published scientific journal articles. Through her research on oral and intestinal microbiota, Dr. Equinda became fascinated by the link between oral and systemic health, which further confirmed her desire to become a dentist. She obtained her doctorate degree from New York University College of Dentistry where she graduated as the Female who Achieved the Highest Academic Excellence in her class and was inducted into the Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society. Dr. Equinda went on to earn her Certificate in Orthodontics and Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry where she defended her thesis titled “Assessment of Response to Rapid Maxillary Expansion in Pediatric Sleep-Disordered Breathing.”
From Music City, to the Windy City, and back to New York City, Dr. Equinda is grateful to be returning to the Big Apple, including its pizza and the New York Yankees. She is looking forward to becoming immersed in the community in which she lives and works. Outside of the office, Dr. Equinda enjoys a variety of exercise and being outdoors, whether it be hiking a mountain, running on a beach, or swimming in the ocean. She has had the privilege of studying, volunteering her dental services, and traveling for pleasure across multiple continents and hopes to expand on that trend. She is also excited to reengage in passions from her childhood and early adulthood, including horseback riding and golf, the latter of which was her favorite pastime with her beloved father. Dr. Equinda’s greatest joy is watching her patients’ confidence grow as their smiles do.
Her soundtrack? The Boss, Billy Joel, and country music.
Education
- Graduated from Vanderbilt University Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience.
- Graduated from New York University College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree while achieving the NYUCD Alumni Club Award and induction into Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society.
- Graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry with a Certificate in Orthodontics and a Master of Science degree in Oral Sciences.
Affiliations
Maintains active membership in:
- Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society
- American Association of Orthodontists
- American Dental Association
- New York State Dental Association
- New York County Dental Society