New Dentist Corner: Leadership

LEADERSHIP

By: Jennifer K. Harreld, DDS

I had the absolute pleasure of being a candidate and graduating from this year’s Oklahoma Dental Association Leadership Academy. I want to share a little bit of my experience with you in hopes that if the happenstance presents itself to you, that you indeed say YES! I am a 2021 grad of the OUCOD who is eager to learn from those willing to share their insights. So when a dear friend and mentor, Dr. Tabitha Arias, shared this opportunity with me, I applied enthusiastically. The academy allowed me to sit in on a number of various Oklahoma organized dentistry meetings. I was able to see leaders from all corners of the state voicing their opinions on issues and discussing how we can appeal to state legislators in order to best serve our patients. For instance, the ODA represents the interests of protecting the doctor-patient relationship so that insurance companies cannot dictate patient treatment. It was so refreshing to see so many dentists with “can-do” attitudes, not simply sitting back and being told how to practice by insurance corporations. I witnessed many colleagues who communicated well with one another regarding what works and what doesn’t.

Unfortunately, many of our meetings were virtual, but as I sat on Zoom, it was apparent the order and the preparation that these leaders brought to each meeting. I enjoyed finding out what the ODA wanted to bring to its members, including benefits such as professional classified postings or even an ODA-sponsored discussion board for dental professionals - allowing networking and knowledge sharing within our Oklahoma community! During my time in the leadership academy, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and created new networking relationships. As a dental professional, I am committed to lifelong learning, and receiving this opportunity with the most purposeful leaders in our state was a treasured adventure.

Drs. Cheryl Flemming, Mary Temple-Goins, and Jennifer Harreld with their 2022 ODA Leadership Academy Award

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer K. Harreld is a 2021 DDS graduate from OU College of Dentistry. She was heavily involved in volunteering with Staples Society while in school. She has been practicing in Oklahoma City upon graduation. She also tries to help out at Good Shepherd on her days off. She plans to apply to AEGD to further her skills in general dentistry and return to eastern Oklahoma to serve her community.

Are you a new dentist? Do you have an interesting story or experience to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at editor@okda.org so we can help you share your story.

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