Jasmine Shafagh , DMD
Dr . Jasmine Shafagh is a 2016 Graduate from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine . She serves as Editor of the Chester / Delaware County Dental Society ’ s newsletter , The Bulletin and is a graduate of PDA ’ s 2022 Leadership Academy .
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment ?
While all dentists have attained their doctorate degrees and achieved a myriad of other accolades , I don ’ t believe my greatest accomplishments are tangible degrees or awards . They are those which have left a positive and meaningful impact on other peoples ’ lives , whether that be through work , volunteerism , or involvement in organized dentistry . My goal has always been to leave some place better than when I found it . To that end , I believe my best accomplishments have been my ability to show empathy towards my family , friends and patients and to help others feel at ease and comfortable under my care and treatment . It is always a compliment when a patient falls asleep in the dental chair under my care . And knowing that patients are happy with my work and that other employees are happy to work with me is the best compliment I could ever receive . To feel that my presence makes all the difference in the office setting and operations , in the dental society , or in my family ’ s life means the world to me .
I hope to be a role model for others by bringing positive energy , light and enthusiasm for life to the workplace and home , to inspire others to be their best and to work and collaborate for the greater good of the profession and society .
Where do you aspire to be in five years ?
I hope to be able to achieve a healthy and comfortable work-life balance between practicing dentistry ( hopefully future practice ownership ) and motherhood . As a new mom , I face and accept the challenges of balancing motherhood , work and family life . Working mothers and parents are constantly making choices and prioritizing how to spend our time . As I navigate this new role in my life , I hope to find better balance between sense of self , commitment to my professional life and commitment to my family and loved ones . I also hope to always be a lifelong learner , to constantly hone my skills in the operatory but also in the leadership arena in organized dentistry so that I can make even more of an impact on my profession and its future .
Who has been your biggest inspiration and why ?
First and foremost are my parents . I am forever indebted for their love , support and sacrifices so that I could partake in any opportunity I wanted and to achieve my educational and extra-curricular goals and dreams . I also look up to all mothers , especially those who are professionals , who balance their work and households with such dignity and grace .
Beyond my commitment and passion for dentistry , my motivation to be successful in life is to show my child the importance and benefits that come with hard work and to teach him to become independent and to stand on his own feet , a value my parents always instilled in me .