![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-05/IMG_58382.jpg?h=db726a35&itok=mJRlRpi_) # From mentee to mentor at HSDM AGE graduate shares how her clinical experiences, mentorship, and personal connections shaped her path in orthodontics and academic dentistry May 08, 2026 In the rhythm of the clinic at Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), Olivia Middleton, DMD23, MMSc26, has found a sense of familiarity that runs deep. It is a place where she once learned the fundamentals of dentistry, refined her clinical judgment, and will soon train others while preparing to step into a faculty role of her own. “Each stage at HSDM has changed how I understand the work we do here,” she said. Middleton first became interested in dentistry as a young patient undergoing orthodontic treatment. The experience introduced her to the transformative potential of the specialty and stayed with her as she began to explore career paths in health care. ![Middleton holding her degree next to Dean Giannobile](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2026-05/SFX05929.jpg?itok=idItun47) Middleton with Dean William Giannobile during the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Class Day ceremony in 2023.Her interests led her from her hometown in Connecticut to Boston to attend Northeastern University, where she earned a degree in health science on a pre-dental track. During her undergraduate studies, her interest in dentistry deepened through shadowing experiences and other pre-dental opportunities, which helped confirm her growing commitment to the field. As she prepared to apply to dental school, HSDM quickly rose to the top of her list. “HSDM stood out to me for several reasons including the small class size, integration with Harvard Medical School, case-based collaborative learning style, and the pass/fail system,” she said. After speaking with students and seeing the clinic firsthand, her decision became clear. “I felt incredibly fortunate to be accepted into the Class of 2023 DMD program.” Middleton’s early clinical experiences at HSDM placed her in close collaboration with faculty and residents, where she began to understand not only the technical demands of orthodontics but also the relationships built with patients that define the specialty. Moving from observing care to actively participating in it became one of the most defining parts of her training. “Seeing patients over time and being part of their journey—watching their confidence change along with their smile—that’s what really stayed with me,” she said. “And working alongside faculty who are so invested in teaching made the learning experience incredibly meaningful.” ![Two ortho students](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2026-05/IMG_8577.jpeg?itok=GFJm1iSg) Middleton working alongside her classmate Lake Seymour, MMSc26As her clinical interests developed during her DMD training, Middleton also deepened her engagement with dental education through the [Scholars in Dental Education program](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/scholars-dental-education) at HSDM. Selected as one of two DMD students each year, she explored curriculum development and education research while still in dental school. The program offered early exposure to academic dentistry and encouraged participants to think about the profession not only through clinical care, but also through the lens of teaching, mentorship, and educational innovation. Returning to HSDM for her orthodontic residency, Middleton’s focus shifted more directly into research and specialized care. Her work examined insurance coverage eligibility for orthodontic patients on Medicaid in Massachusetts, with a focus on how approval processes impact access to care. The research experience further strengthened her commitment to patient advocacy, particularly for underserved populations. “I hope to continue treating and advocating for this patient population in my future practice,” she said. “And to use what we’ve learned through research to improve documentation processes and ultimately expand access to care.” Outside the clinic and classroom, Middleton’s time at HSDM also shaped her personal life in unexpected ways. It was during her time as a DMD student that she met her husband, Jordan Middleton, DMD23. The two recently married, marking another milestone tied closely to the School that has defined much of her adult life. ![Bride and groom](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__720x720_scale/public/2026-05/IMG_1612.jpeg?itok=gvq-gEDX) Middleton and her husband, Jordan Middleton, DMD23, in Boston following their wedding ceremony.“I am deeply grateful to HSDM for not only my education, but for introducing me to my husband and lifelong friends who made the past seven years truly unforgettable,” she said. After graduation, Middleton will remain at HSDM as a part-time faculty member and serve as director of the DMD Program in Orthodontics. In this role, she hopes to strengthen early exposure to orthodontics for dental students and continue the mentorship tradition that shaped her own trajectory. “From the start, her passion for academia and organized dentistry stood out,” said [Sercan Akyalcin](https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/people/sercan-akyalcin), head of Orthodontics. “Throughout her training, Olivia has brought a rare combination of maturity, collegiality, intellectual curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm for teaching. It became clear that investing in her talent for this position was not only an opportunity to help launch a promising academic career, but also a meaningful investment in the success and growth of our students.” For Middleton, it’s not a single defining moment that captures her time at HSDM, but the many small ones that shaped it. “I am eternally grateful for my classmates who quickly became far more than colleagues, and without whom I would not be where I am today,” she said. “HSDM gave me an exceptional education, but just as importantly, it gave me a community.” See also:- [ Grad profiles 2026 ](/news-and-events/grad-profiles-2026)