26 June 2025

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Leading the HDAA with a mentorship mindset

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Mindy Greenblatt Streem, DMD05, has always credited Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) with shaping her career and instilling in her a deep sense of purpose. Now, she’s giving back to the school in a meaningful way as she steps into her new role as president of the Harvard Dental Alumni Association (HDAA). After previously serving as vice president, Greenblatt Streem is eager to create the same sense of community and mentorship that she believes were instrumental to her own success. 

“Soon after I graduated from HSDM, I knew that I wanted to come back as a mentor or lecturer in some way. This new role as president gives me the opportunity to look back and see how I can help the future of our students and School,” Greenblatt Streem said. 

Greenblatt Streem’s path to dentistry wasn’t always clear, but her passion for medicine was. During the summers as an undergrad student, she worked as a dental assistant at a pediatric dental office and shadowed a pediatric cardiologist and a neonatologist. It wasn’t until she attended Harvard School of Dental Medicine and visited the craniofacial team at Boston Children’s Hospital that she fell in love with orthodontics. 

Today, she’s turned that passion into practice as an orthodontist in Ohio. 

“I was surrounded by the best minds around me as professors and fellow students. I met people that brought out the best side of me—both emotionally and intellectually,” she said. “It was mind-blowing that me, a girl from Toledo, Ohio, had the opportunity to be around so many brilliant minds. It opened my world.” 

From mentee to mentor

While at HSDM, Greenblatt Streem credits much of her success to the mentors who guided and supported her throughout her journey, including Bruce Donoff, DMD67, MD73, former dean of HSDM and Walter C. Guralnick Distinguished Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Howard Howell, A. Lee Loomis Professor of Periodontology, Emeritus. 

“Dr. Donoff was someone that I could go to for help, as I was very far away from home,” said Greenblatt Streem. “Dr. Howell was very much there for me every step of the way—from when I had a hard time in an externship, to questions about my future in the dental profession.”

Greenblatt Streem hopes to be there for other students who are thinking of pursuing dentistry as a career or for those who are already navigating dental school. She recognizes that life planning often takes a backseat during training and hopes to help bridge that gap, offering guidance and support outside the classroom. 

“For example, nobody tells you when you become an orthodontist that your busiest time is from 3–5 p.m., but that is the time that your kids get out of school and you need childcare,” she said. “There are many obstacles in going into dentistry while having a partner and children. This is something that I very much like to discuss with my fellow female practitioners.” 

Greenblatt Streem currently serves as a mentor for the American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD) and for HSDM students. 

“Dentistry is such a broad field, and it has to be more than just a profession—you have to work in a position that is enjoyable to you each day,” she said. “I want other students to know that I am there for them if they have questions about practice ownership, associating, partnerships, and beyond. I truly love helping the next generation navigate how to merge their love of dentistry with a future long-term job.” 

Now Greenblatt Streem is taking her mentorship to the next level as she steps into her new role as president of the Harvard Dental Alumni Association. Moving from her previous role as vice president, she hopes to use the next two years to create and maintain mentorship opportunities with HSDM students and increase engagement with young alumni of the School. 

“I hope we can create more informed paths for those getting out into the real world while juggling working, being parents, and leading productive and mentally healthy lives,” she said. “The alumni association has grown a lot over the past few years. Together, we have so many wonderful ideas. I can’t wait to see what comes next.” 

By working to build a supportive network, she aims to inspire the next generation of dental professionals and ensure that students not only succeed academically but also thrive in their careers and leadership roles. 

Greenblatt Streem also looks forward to advancing the HDAA’s mission, ensuring HSDM alumni stay connected and engaged, no matter where they are. 

“It is so hard to put into words how absolutely life-changing my experience at Harvard was. During that time, I met my forever friends. I found a place that finally felt like home to me. I very much look forward to seeing many of them at our 20-year reunion in June.” 

Source: https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/