Luisa Torres – Office Manager
Chicago-born and New York-raised, Luisa is proud of her Peruvian and Japanese descent. She’s bilingual – fluent in English and Spanish.
Luisa brings with her a dental career that spans 19 years. She began as a dental assistant and also served as a Treatment Coordinator for an orthodontist and a periodontist practice before aspiring to management about 5 years ago.
Luisa is very passionate about serving every patient, especially loves helping patients learn about the importance of proper dental care while delivering excellent customer service.
She is a proud mother of two boys, Ezequiel (9) and Zakaria (8 mo.) Luisa is always on the go with them, especially taking Ezequiel to activities like roller hockey, jujitsu, piano, chess, and muay thai! She enjoys sharing her gift for the culinary arts as well, and is recognized as a maker of incredible meals!
Kathleen Skarka, RDH, AAS
Originally from Flushing, NY, Kathleen currently resides in Bellerose, NY. She attended New York City Technical College, currently holds Dental Hygiene and Dental Anesthesia licenses in the state of New York, is CPR certified and has over 37 years of experience working in the dental profession.
Kathleen is currently studying to earn an Oral Health Educator Certificate with plans to better educate patients and medical professionals about the mouth-body connection. Kathleen has worked for the practice since July 2022. As one of the newest faces at Center For Smiles, Kathleen has enjoyed the opportunity to learn and utilize new technology in order to better educate patients about dental health and how it may impact their overall health.
Kathleen enjoys caring for her community. She began by organizing a successful Dress for Success clothing drive at Center for Smiles and plans to do more community events in the future.
Rachel – Patient Care Coordinator
Rachel presently lives in Queens, NY but was born in the Bronx, NY. She graduated from St. John’s University with a Bachelor of Science and has four years of experience working as a dental receptionist.
Rachel is the first person to see our patients when they visit Center for Smiles, she takes pride in greeting every individual and making them feel at ease before entering the dental chair. She strives to develop relationships with our patients, and provide them with the utmost care. Rachel is excited to be part of the team at Center for Smiles, as they recently won Best of the Boro, and she is looking forward to delivering the same high level of patient care that the community has come to know and love from Center for Smiles.
In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with family, friends, and her dog Zeus! She also has a passion for art and loves to paint.
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Trusted by Patients Throughout Bayside & All Five Boroughs
Frequently Asked Questions
Every smile and every patient is different. The best place to start is with a comprehensive consultation at Center For Smiles. Our team will listen to your concerns, evaluate your oral health, discuss your goals, and explain the treatment options that may be appropriate for you. From there, we can develop a personalized plan based on your individual needs and priorities.
Your first visit is an opportunity for us to get to know you and understand what you would like to accomplish. Depending on your needs, your consultation may include a review of your dental and medical history, an examination, diagnostic imaging, and a discussion of your concerns and goals. We will then review appropriate options with you and answer your questions before moving forward with treatment.
Yes. Center For Smiles believes dental care should be tailored to the individual. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we consider your oral health, comfort, goals, lifestyle, and long-term needs when recommending treatment. Your treatment plan may involve a single procedure or a combination of services designed around you.
Absolutely. We understand that many people experience some level of dental anxiety. Our team strives to create a comfortable, supportive environment and takes time to explain your care and answer questions. Depending on your individual needs and the procedure being performed, additional comfort or sedation options may also be available.
You can request a consultation by contacting Center For Smiles or using the Schedule Consultation button on our website. Our team will help you find a convenient appointment and answer any initial questions you may have.
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Ready to Smile with Confidence?
Whether you’re looking for a trusted family dentist, considering dental implants, exploring cosmetic dentistry, or searching for relief from TMJ discomfort, we’d love the opportunity to welcome you to Center for Smiles.