So you will find a dentist:
Here are steps to find the best dentist for you:
Experience – If you are looking for a mentor, you would like to search for someone who has more experience than you have. However, it can be helpful to have different mentors to turn to for different types of questions. Don’t limit yourself. Dentistry is unique and subjective, and the more people you have close by to share ideas with, the better. You may have different mentors for different purposes and different seasons of your life and career.
Ask for Advice: There are endless ways to find someone to learn from. The best advice I can give to anyone looking for a mentor is to get out there. Ask your dental school if they know alumni who might be interested in speaking with you. Most successful dentists have had someone who helped them get to where they are today and would appreciate the opportunity to give back by helping them.
Attend Dental Conferences – Another great place to find a mentor is at dental conferences. Meet the moderators and do some networking. You never know what your options are when you’re exposed.
What does a dental mentor do? – Once you’ve found someone you’d like to learn from. It is important to communicate what you are looking for in this relationship and what you hope to learn from them. It’s also important to show them what you can offer in this relationship. Having a connection with your mentor outside of dentistry is crucial as it allows for more natural conversations and a better relationship. A good mentor/mentee relationship allows them to grow and learn from each other. The most important thing is to be respectful of your mentor’s time. You can call them if you have a question about a case or if you want to discuss something but don’t. Don’t expect a long conversation every day. Also, don’t expect them to solve your problems effortlessly. Often I will ask my mentor a question and explain research or problem-solving that I have already tried. and ask for your opinion on my next steps. They are there to be a support and guide, not to do the work for you.
The Importance of Dental Mentoring – There are several ways to have a successful career in dentistry and this is why I believe mentoring is such an important aspect of dentistry. Treatment planning, patient relationship, and team leaders may vary from practice to provider. That’s why it’s so important to have someone by your side who can share ideas. The dental school serves to teach you the basics of dentistry, but beyond that, you must look for opportunities for further growth and development of your skills. A strong mentor will support you in achieving your goals and improving your skills as a successful doctor.
