“This inspiring initiative brings collectively shiny, formidable college students…It was actually energizing to witness their enthusiasm, curiosity, and keenness,” she mentioned.
In her speak, Dr. Kerisa Harriott opened up about her personal struggles.
“Obstacles are inevitable, however they’re additionally needed,” she informed the scholars. “It’s by these challenges that character is constructed and resilience is refined.”
Harriott’s journey into dentistry started in her teenagers, after carrying braces for 4 years and growing a eager curiosity in orthodontics. She earned her Bachelor of Science diploma in Chemistry from Randolph‑Macon School in Virginia, graduating cum laude on scholarship. She then obtained her Physician of Dental Drugs (DMD) diploma from Rutgers Faculty of Dental Drugs, additionally on scholarship.
Following dental faculty, she accomplished a Basic Follow Residency at Northwell Well being’s Lengthy Island Jewish Medical Middle, the place she was named ‘Resident of the Yr.’ Her pursuit of excellence led her to an Orthodontic Residency at Stony Brook College, the place she mastered a full spectrum of contemporary orthodontic strategies—together with Invisalign, ceramic and conventional braces, TADs, progress modification, and interdisciplinary jaw surgical procedure planning. She was additionally awarded the Turner Fellowship for tutorial excellence throughout her specialty coaching.
Dr. Kerisa Harriott is board-certified and is an energetic member of a number of skilled organizations, together with the American Board of Orthodontics, American Affiliation of Orthodontists, American Dental Affiliation, and Nationwide Dental Affiliation. She can be a philanthropist who believes in giving again, particularly to her Jamaican group at dwelling.
“Giving again is deeply private to me,” she informed Caribbean Nationwide Weekly.
“I’m the place I’m in the present day as a result of others gave to me—by scholarships, mentorship, and alternatives. Service is how I honor that legacy. Whether or not by group occasions, mentorship, or mission journeys, I consider we rise by lifting others. It’s additionally how we create a ripple impact and might construct stronger communities. It’s a part of how I lead, each in my occupation and in life. And once we serve with love, we remind those that they matter” she mentioned.
Past her scientific work, she is deeply dedicated to philanthropic causes—routinely collaborating in dental missions, well being gala’s, scholarship drives, and group occasions.
“Serving on dental missions in Jamaica has been extremely significant. Returning dwelling to offer care to underserved communities jogged my memory why I selected this path. I’ve had the chance to work with organizations just like the Group for Worldwide Dentistry (OID) and Cheerful Coronary heart, delivering free dental care in areas the place entry is restricted. These experiences not solely deepen my dedication to service but in addition hold me linked to my roots,” she shared.
Household can be crucial to Dr. Harriott.
“My father has at all times been my biggest inspiration,” she opined.
“His sacrifices and unwavering dedication to elevating me with intention laid the muse for who I’m in the present day. Although his life was abbreviated, it was deeply impactful. As a police officer with a robust entrepreneurial spirit, he modeled each self-discipline and imaginative and prescient. His legacy lives on, rooted in me, my siblings, our kids, and within the many lives he touched. Professionally, I’m impressed by trailblazing black ladies in dentistry who shattered glass ceilings and paved the way in which for others like me. Their braveness, resilience, and excellence proceed to gas my very own pursuit of goal and affect.”
Now based mostly in Georgia, Dr. Kerisa Harriott lives along with her husband, Dr. Ebunoluwa Onafalujo, and their two youngsters, Isaiah and Zuri.
Requested the place she sees herself 10 years from now, she confidently mentioned, “Ten years from now, I see Renew All Orthodontics (her dental firm) thriving; not simply as a observe, however as a pillar in the neighborhood. I hope to have expanded our attain, mentored different aspiring dentists, and created scholarship alternatives for college students regionally and overseas with massive desires. Personally, I hope to proceed rising as a mom, spouse, and lady of religion—residing a life anchored in service and pleasure. Steadiness and affect are the targets,” she confidently declared.
