The 69-year-old Dunedin orthodontist retired in April after 40 years in the profession, and was recently rewarded for her services to dentistry with a New Zealand Dental Association (NZDA) Service Award.
While it put a smile on her dial, Dr Harding said she was surprised by the award because she felt she had not done anything to deserve the recognition.
"I've only ever felt that I've just done my job, the best that I could.
"It doesn't feel like work when you actually love doing it."
Born in Gore, Dr Harding went on to study dentistry at the University of Otago and graduated with a bachelor of dental surgery in 1978, and then a master of dental surgery in orthodontics in 1985.
Her career began in general practice, but she later established her own orthodontic practice, while devoting an extraordinary 39 years to teaching at the University of Otago’s Faculty of Dentistry.
During that time, she influenced the careers of more than 100 postgraduate orthodontists, offering not just clinical guidance, but mentorship in professional development, career planning and life in general.
Her service to the profession extended far beyond the clinic.
She was a dedicated member of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Dental Association for nearly four decades, serving as honorary secretary/treasurer, president, specialist representative on the NZDA board, and more recently as consumer liaison officer where her skill and empathy guided colleagues through disputes and personal challenges.
Dr Harding also chaired conferences, contributed to national and international orthodontic committees, oversaw key clinical transitions such as digital record systems, and she ran the craniofacial clinic which provided life-changing treatment to patients with clefts, syndromes and special needs.
She is much loved by her colleagues, who described her as approachable, pragmatic and unfailingly generous with her time and expertise.
She was a steadfast advocate for her patients, a mentor to generations of dentists, and provided a unifying spirit in her professional community.
Her work in the city and her long-term connections with clients had made her very well known in the community.
"You can't go anywhere in Dunedin without somebody recognising you — at the swimming pool or walking down the street or at the supermarket," she said.
"It’s a nice feeling. Very comfortable."
She recently received the NZDA Service Award at the association’s 120th anniversary conference in Wellington.
