DR . JASMINE SHAFAGH
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 .
32 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL