Black History: Local Dentist Encourages Youth To Get Educated
WWJ Newsradio 950 celebrates Black History Month by recognizing local young African American professionals and their heroes.
DETROIT (WWJ) - Dr. Nicole Fields loves to help spread healthy smiles as a dentist in Huntington Woods.
A graduate of Spelman College and the University of Michigan Dental School, she is also concerned about the overall health of her patients.
"We still see a lot of patients suffering from diabetes, kidney disease and continuing to smoke, even starting to smoke at a later age," Fields told WWJ's Stephanie Davis.
Along with encouraging clean mouths and healthy bodies, she also tries to push her younger patients to get educated as well.
"I also think it's important to emphasize education to my young people," Fields said. "I try to encourage them to always go back to school for advancement."
Fields takes pride in inspiring the young adults to take advantage of school because according to her, she was in their shoes at one point.
"It always makes me smile when I tell my patients, oh I went to Renaissance (High School) too," she said.
Dr. Fields said that her inspiration in success comes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream"speech.
Not just because of its local roots, but because of the message it sends to the youth.
"It's inspiring because he not only did it in Detroit, but also because of all those words still hold true today," Fields said. "It's very pertinent to inspire our young people to remind them that they still have to make a dream. If they don't take action, they are not going to become reality."
Listen to the complete interview: