Both Dr. Laura Harkins father and grandfather found that dentistry was a career that enabled them to find balance and personal satisfaction both at home as well as within the community. Growing up in the light of such tremendous role-models, and motivated by admiration and respect, Dr. Laura Harkin embarked on an academic journey that would afford her the same rewarding and well-rounded lifestyle.
Dr. Harkin graduated Cum Laude from Franklin and Marshall College in 1999 with a major in mathematics and a minor in flute performance. In 2008, she graduated from Temple University School of Dentistry and immediately began to live her dream as a family dentist. Her value to the dental team was undeniable, as she shared her spirit for both compassion and perfection.
Dr. Harkin is an Advisor and Visiting Faculty for the LD Pankey Dental Foundation. As an Advisor, she serves the Board of Directors with a lasting commitment to upholding the mission of the Institute.
Academic achievements aside, and with mentors whose expertise spanned two generations, there was an aspect of dentistry that Dr. Harkin would have to experience for herself. She discovered the rewards that came from witnessing the happiness on the faces of her patients as they regained their self-confidence following a cosmetic or restorative procedure. Those rewarding smiles have become the fuel that pushes her to continually hone her knowledge and skills in order to provide the most current, least invasive, and most effective treatment options for her patients.
It takes a great deal of commitment and dedication to remain professionally connected and continuously educated. Dr. Harkin was awarded her Academy of General Dentistry Mastership in 2016, an accomplishment requiring 1,100 hours of continuing education.
The responsibility to serve the community is an ideal that was instilled early in life by Dr. Harkins father and grandfather. The dental team at Laura Sheaffer Harkin, DMD, actively participates with several service organizations, including Dental Access in Lancaster County; Got Teeth?, which is sponsored by the Eastern Lancaster County School District; and the Water Street Rescue Mission. This sort of hands-on activism provides vital services to those in our community who may not otherwise receive adequate dental care. Additionally, Dr. Harkin belongs to the New Holland Business Association, a local group of business owners charged with the revitalization of local business in New Holland.
Outside of the clinical setting, Dr. Harkin displays her appreciation for the spice of life. She and her husband, Sean, and their children, Denis and Lianne, enjoy a happy home life, living on a farm in Ephrata that has been in her family for more than 200 years. To stay in shape, she enjoys running, and she expresses her appreciation for the fine arts as a talented flutist and pianist. Although very busy, Dr. Harkin is an avid reader and makes the most of her quiet time by enjoying a good book.
Reviews
Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 87 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestIllusion Sound & Lighting, Inc.
a year ago
Always a pleasant experience with Dr Laura and her team
Anita Shiffler
a year ago
From someone with anxiety about dental work, options available for that work and the financial cap that each entails- I found, not only Dr. Laura S. Harkin to be informative, professional and kind, but everyone there was exceedingly pleasant! I did not leave anxious, but happy and hopeful.
Pat Frankel
a year ago
Always a lot of fun and conversation plus excellent work! The first time I ever looked forward to the dentist. Great work?
Robert Owens
a year ago
Excellent personal and professional care, as always!
Sean Harkin
2 years ago
I had a wonderful experience at Dr Harkin office as always she and her staff are great and always friendly and welcoming.What a great Dentist she is .
Terry Van Denburgh
2 years ago
Another pleasant and fruitful visit.
Diane Good
2 years ago
My Father, Warren, has been going to this dental practice since the first Dr Sheaffer. He has always been very happy with the services and the doctors at this Third Generation dental practice. Dr Laura Harkin is an excellent representative of her profession and her predecessors of her practice.
Kyle Frankhouser
2 years ago
The whole team is very pleasant to deal with. Dr. Harkin, Sarah, and others exceed expectations with thorough explanations and incredible attitudes, all in a timely manner. Highly recommended!
Larry Ross
2 years ago
Dr. Laura Harkin and her staff are very professional and personable. I really like this dental practice. I've been in the area going on six years and have seen 3 other dentists prior to Dr. Harkin. She is the best. Others can pull and fill teeth but Dr. Harkin spends the time to review your dental needs and develops a plan, for you. She does not promote a "dental assembly line" running patients in and out, filling and pulling and, of course, rinse and spit.
Natalie Smoker
2 years ago
We love every single person at this office. My children fight over who's turn it is to go the the dentist. Would recommend over and over!
Barbara Witmer
2 years ago
Dr. Laura Harkins is an excellent dentist with a gentle, soothing manner. The staff, the office and the care received is exceptional and the equipment is state of the art!
Virginia Jarden
2 years ago
Dr. Laura Harkin and her staff genuinely care about their patient's comfort and well being during each appointment. Dr. Harkin gives her all in providing the best outcome. From start to finish, I received the utmost of time, thoughtfulness and professional advice and options on necessary and cosmetic dental work on my front teeth. Dr. Harkin and Dental Assistant Cindy took much time and attention to detail, to give me my smile back. I cannot say enough to convey my high recommendation of this dental office. P.S. Dr. Harkin was highly recommended to me by one of her peers. That sums it up!
Diane Bates
2 years ago
Dr Harkin and staff are always so friendly. I have dental anxiety but they always make me feel at ease.
Gmom Thirteen
2 years ago
Doctor Laura S. Harkin is wonderful...her staff is super friendly! My hygienist, Corinna, was thorough, considerate, and gentle, and explained everything as she went along...answering all of my questions. Couldn't ask for more!
Wendy Moffett
2 years ago
Always very satisfied with my dental care and very kind and caring staff.
David Frank
2 years ago
This was a normal cleaning appointment. The work was done by Corina (spelling?)who did a great job. First time having her do the job. She was always at the front desk before. This is a great place to do business with. It was nice to see Lynn again even though it's temporary. Dave
JEANNE BOMBERGER
2 years ago
Thanks for the excellent professional care. It is always a pleasure to visit this office!
Bill Horst
2 years ago
Dr. Laura Harkins and her Staff consistently provide professional Dental services and a friendly, positive approach. I have been a satisfied patient for many years and would highly recommend Dr. Harkins and her practice to anyone. Their recently renovated office is clean and well maintained with up to date dental equipment and procedures. Bill Horst
B Kauff
2 years ago
Dr. Harkin and her staff have always been professional, skillful, caring and concerned regarding my health, my teeth and my family. In this post COVID era, they continue with that high level of care and attention to every detail.
art loewen
2 years ago
Extremely friendly and welcoming dental practice. The team works together to focus on each patient during the appointment. Highly recommend.
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