PDA 10 UNDER 10 AWARD WINNERS
Dr . Jasmine Shafagh
Dr . Jasmine Shafagh is a 2016 graduate of LECOM School of Dental Medicine . Following graduation , she became active in the Dental Society of Chester County and Delaware County , including serving on its New Dentist Committee and as editor of The Bulletin . She has served Second District as a moderator at the Greater Philadelphia Valley Forge Dental Conference and as an associate editor for the Second District newsletter . She was a member of PDA ’ s inaugural Leadership Academy class .
“ Thank you so much to the PDA for this special recognition ! I feel so honored and humbled to be selected among so many talented and influential young leaders in dentistry . It is so important to be recognized and to feel appreciated for your efforts , especially by your colleagues , staff , patients , and families ,” Dr . Shafagh said . “ It not only feels good , but also motivates you to continue achieving great success and developing both professionally and in leadership .
“ I owe my success to all my predecessors and mentors who have believed in me , inspired , and guided me throughout the years . You can never do it alone and you are always more powerful in numbers . I feel so blessed to be in a profession and part of a community that affords me the ability to stay connected with my colleagues no matter where I am in life . Even though I currently live in Florida , I am so fortunate to be able to continue working with PDA and my local remotely . Maintaining relationships with my PDA mentors and colleagues has been such a blessing , especially during the pandemic . This is a prime example of what organized dentistry is all about . You are a part of a something greater than yourself , a collective community of individuals all working together towards a greater goal for the good of the profession , our patients , and society at large . It does not stop at state lines , and it crosses all borders .
“ Organized dentistry is the culmination of so many things . It is the politics of what and how we can practice ; it ’ s the safety and standards of care for our patients and providers , and it ’ s about health care advocacy and outreach for the country . It is a vast network of dentists who support each other , give back to the community and mentor others . Dentistry is not just a job . It ’ s a profession and lifestyle , and we must all work together to improve , value , and protect our profession and our common goals . I encourage others to identify their ‘ why ’ or their ‘ purpose .’ Remember that we are strongest when we cheer each other on and when we work together . Be the change you wish to see in the world . Get involved . Pay it forward . Mentor someone . Show that you care . Make a difference in this world and leave it better than when you found it !”
Dr . Lauren Yap
Dr . Lauren Yap graduated from Temple University ’ s Kornberg School of Dentistry in 2019 with dual DMD and MPH degrees . After her post-graduate education , she is currently employed at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine as a faculty member in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry , as well as working in the Doctors of Penn Dental family practice . She was active in ASDA and has continued to be an active participant in ADA / ASDA Lobby Day . She served in Pennsylvania ’ s 2022 delegation as an alternate delegate at the ADA House of Delegates . Her leadership in the Philadelphia County Dental Society includes serving as co-chair of Liberty Dental conference .
“ It is truly an honor to be part of the PDA ’ s 10 under 10 ! The PDA has been a part of my life since I was a dental student at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry and has shown me firsthand the importance and value of organized dentistry and mentorship ,” Dr . Yap said . “ I ’ m so thankful for my mentors through the various stages of my professional life who saw value in new dentists and have supported , challenged , and encouraged me !”
28 MAY / JUNE 2023 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL