Laura Harkin , DMD
Personal Experience
While I was in my junior and senior years in college I participated in the virtual mentoring program at my university that paired current students with alumni . I was skeptical about joining in the beginning because I was unsure how I would find the time to participate in a program like this and if I would gain any valuable information . I am proud that I took the chance to experience the mentorship program and that I was wrong about how the program operates .
Being a mentee in a program like this showed me that it was catered to my individual needs . The flexibility of the mentoring program meant that I learned valuable skills and information while allowing me to determine how often I wished to meet for the duration of the school year without consuming too much time out of my days . I also felt lost about what I wanted to do after graduation and wanted to be paired with someone that had experienced this and could help provide guidance that would help me move forward in a positive direction .
Since I had a positive experience for two years as a mentee within this program , as soon as I graduated , I wanted to give back and became a mentor for current students . Becoming a mentor has helped me build lasting relationships while also improving my coaching and leadership skills . Participating in a mentorship program helps the mentors to help pass along viable information for many generations to come .
Testimonials
Mentee : “ I was lucky to be matched up with Dr . Harkin and it has been an amazing experience . It is always challenging as a new dentist to navigate the profession so having an experienced hand to guide is always appreciated . She is absolutely amazing and has been great about providing me with real world advice about navigating associateships and charting a path forward . She also allowed me to shadow at her office , which was enlightening and always great to get another perspective about how different offices are run .”
– Taniya Sharma , DMD
Mentor : “ I chose to join the PDA Connections Mentoring Program , because I am continually grateful for the guidance and knowledge I received from my senior colleagues . As a mentor , I ’ m able to share my philosophy on patient and team management , business principles and clinical dentistry . I share the value I see in a comprehensive , relationship-based approach to dentistry ! My mentee asks me questions as she develops her vision for practice in 5 and 10 years . I ’ m fulfilled by giving my knowledge and support . I love our profession and want nothing more than for us , as a whole , to provide top-notch dentistry to our communities while earning trust .”
– Laura Harkin , DMD
Are you ready to connect with the next generation of dentists and help them enjoy the wonderful profession of dentistry ? If so , login to www . padental / connections to enroll as a mentor in PDA Connections .
Are you a new dentist or dental student who is interested in meeting a mentor ? If so , login to www . padental / connections to enroll today to find a mentor . PDA looks forward to receiving your online enrollment .
Are you interested in mentoring but uncertain about the commitment of enrolling in PDA Connections ? If so , plan to participate in PDA ’ s upcoming virtual speed mentoring program with dental students . The virtual platform eliminates geographic boundaries and travel to attend an in-person event . PDA will use breakout rooms to provide participants with more personal online connections . If you would like more information about PDA ’ s virtual mentoring program with dental students please contact Amanda Bender at arb @ padental . org .
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2022 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 17