Their careers. Dentist-patient relationship. Generation of the dentist.
Dentistry.
- Genuinely have your interests in mind (an existing relationship can help here)
- Value learning
- Provide constructive criticism with practical advice
- Is recognized as a leader in your field of dentistry
- It will push you out of your comfort zone.
Mentoring helps mentors: Can you have more than one mentor?
Dental students do not have to be limited to just one mentor, although managing two or three mentors along with the challenges of dental school can be difficult. If you decide to have a second mentor, make sure that you devote an equal amount of time to both relationships.
Where to look.
At the core of mentoring is a relationship. Start with people you already have a positive relationship with like your pediatric dentist or school teacher. Reach out to them and ask if they would be willing to mentor you through dental education and possibly even beyond as a post-graduation dental worker. Many local dental boards offer mentorship programs that help match dental students with recommended mentors. The advantage of finding a mentor this way is that you can be sure that the mentor is on board and motivated to advise you. One caveat, however, is that you must build a relationship with yourself from the ground up.
What to look for when looking for potential mentors is to look for dentists who: Work with your mentor. When working with your mentor as a dental student, communication is of the utmost importance. How you communicate can affect the mentor-student relationship and what you gain from mentoring.
Contact personally possible, Contact your mentor personally.
This is especially true when you are first meeting and building a relationship with your mentor. If you do not have an existing relationship with your chosen mentor, meeting in person may allow your mentor to put your face to your name and credentials.
Email Communication.
The busy dentist may not have much time to sit down and read lengthy emails. Keep emails short and limit yourself to short questions, thanks, and follow-up messages. Avoid writing lengthy emails about your dental career goals or ambitions for a dental specialty program, especially if you end up introducing yourself to a potential mentor via electronic communication.
Social Media Communication.
While social media is more ubiquitous than ever, it’s probably the most unprofessional form of communication there is. While you should interact with your mentor on social media if you have an account and are active, it shouldn’t be your primary means of communication.
