Crossroads: Dental assistant

Melania Abreu,54, of Freeport. Nassau University Medical Center

Why did you go into this field?

When I came to this country I had very little English. I liked to help people out, especially if they don't speak English. I want to make sure they go home happy.

What would you say to someone considering this career?

You have to be patient; you see people in pain. You have to have compassion. You need to be a people person in order to do this.