Rising Stars: Meet Shemeka Harvey

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shemeka Harvey.

Hi Shemeka, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
My name is Shemeka. My journey from a child in a small village in Antigua to a thriving Dental Hygienist in a Southern California suburb has been an interesting one, for sure. Raised by a mother who became a parent at just 15 years old, the odds were stacked against me from the start. But I have managed to forge my own path. 

I moved from Antigua to New York City when I was 11. The culture shock was intense and life there wasn’t easy. I became a mother at 17 and was kicked out of my home. It was devastating, but I refused to let adversity define me. I knew I had to make something of myself, not just for my own sake, but also for my daughter. That’s when I started to learn what I’m capable of. 

Even as a young mother, I became the first in my family to attend college. It was a monumental achievement. I was fueled by a determination to excel. I started at Columbia University with a certification in dental assistant and then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. 

My career led me to San Diego, where I have worked as a Registered Dental Hygienist for over 10 years. I have cherished the opportunity to care for my patients and collaborate with an exceptional team. In recent years, I’ve also felt a calling to do more. I wanted to reach those who were unable to access traditional dental care. 

Last year, I received my license as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice and started my own business. This license allows me to provide vital dental hygiene treatment to not only patients who face mobility issues, are medically complex, and are homebound but also kids in schools who are in underserved areas. I treat an array of patients, from cancer patients to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia; I bring dental care directly to their bedside, nursing homes, and assisted care facilities. 

The work is challenging, often tiring, and physically demanding. But the rewards far outweigh the hardships. My patients were once teachers, nurses, counselors, pilots. These vibrant individuals deserve dignity and care. I find inspiration in the profound impact I’m able to make in their lives, restoring not just their oral health but also their sense of dignity and self-worth. 

My mission is simple: to help as many people as possible by raising awareness about the importance of regular dental care, diet, and nutrition as it relates to dental care. In a way, it feels like the dental field chose me, guiding me towards a purpose greater than myself. And as long as there are people in need, I’ll continue to dedicate myself to serving others with compassion, perseverance, and grace. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Raised by a mother who became a parent at just 15 years old, the odds were stacked against me from the start. But I have managed to forge my own path. I moved from Antigua to New York City when I was 11. The culture shock was intense, and life there wasn’t easy. I became a mother at 17 and was kicked out of my home. It was devastating, but I refused to let adversity define me. I knew I had to make something of myself, not just for my own sake but also for my daughter. That’s when I started to learn what I’m capable of. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I started at Columbia University with a certification in dental assistant and then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. 

My career led me to San Diego, where I have worked as a Registered Dental Hygienist for over 10 years. I have cherished the opportunity to care for my patients and collaborate with an exceptional team. In recent years, I’ve also felt a calling to do more. I wanted to reach those who were unable to access traditional dental care. 

Last year, I received my license as a Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice and started my own business. This license allows me to provide vital dental hygiene treatment to not only patients who face mobility issues, are medically complex, and are homebound but also kids in schools who are in underserved areas. I treat an array of patients from cancer patients to those suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, I bring dental care directly to their bedside, nursing homes, and assisted care facilities. 

The work is challenging, often tiring, and physically demanding. But the rewards far outweigh the hardships. My patients were once teachers, nurses, counselors, pilots. These vibrant individuals deserve dignity and care. I find inspiration in the profound impact I’m able to make in their lives, restoring not just their oral health but also their sense of dignity and self-worth. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Being a young mom and kicked out of my home at 17 forced me to grow up. I don’t know if I hadn’t gone through that, if I would be the person I am today. I am a caring, dedicated person and clinician, and I think that what I’ve been through has played a huge role in my accomplishments. 

Image Credits
Bianca Gonzalez
Kelvin Harvey