Office of Social Work and Patient Advocacy
What is a Patient Advocate?
Patient Advocates at the NYU College of Dentistry facilitate solving patient concerns and complaints, and also help answer questions about your care and understand your rights as a patient.
Please view the Patient Bill of Rights >>>
Contact Us
To reach the Patient Advocates by phone, please call: (212) 998-9460.
If you would like to submit questions, comments, or concerns for the Patient Advocate electronically, please complete the Patient Advocacy Inquiry Form and a representative from our office will contact you.
Currently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Social Work and Patient Advocacy is working remotely.
- If you are a new patient and would like to schedule a visit, please call Patient Admissions at (212) 998-9800. Additional information for new patients can be found on our main Patient Care page.
- To make, change, or cancel an appointment, please call your clinic directly. For more information, please visit the Clinic Directory or dial (212) 998-9800 for assistance.
- For Emergency Services/Urgent Care, please call (212) 998-9458.
Our Advocates
Alyson Leffel, LCSW
Social Worker/Patient Advocate
Bianca Drew, LCSW
Social Worker/Patient Advocate
Social Work & Advocacy Phone / Fax
Tel: (212) 998-9460
Fax: (212) 995-4983
Our Services
We understand that going to the dentist can be difficult and overwhelming at times. The NYU Dentistry Patient Advocates are here to act as the liaison between patients and the College so patients can express their concerns, ensuring that the standards within the College are upheld and the patient experience is as pleasant as possible. One of our advocates is a licensed Social Worker who can provide assistance with a wide range of social service issues.
- Serve as the contact and support people for patients who present questions, concerns and/or complaints.
- Address questions regarding the patient's care, enlisting clinical faculty to support when necessary.
- Receive compliments and suggestions to improve the patient experience at the NYU College of Dentistry.
- Provide referrals for patients and their families to social services outside of the College, such as Medicaid and housing.
- Assist patients in presenting facts to administration, developing acceptable resolutions to issues and following-up on outcomes.
- Maintain patient confidence by keeping complaint information confidential.
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday
8:30 am - 6:00 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
Office closed Saturday & Sunday