Finding a mentor is beneficial for both dental students and future dentists. Finding someone to guide you and lay a positive foundation for your success is a rewarding experience.
With the AGD mentor match program, AGD can facilitate the search for a mentor. This program is fantastic because it will help you find, connect and share experiences with a mentor or mentee in your constituency. They also support the relationship throughout the program with tools, coaching calls, and creative assignments. Remember, you can choose who your mentor will be. Not all mentors will be a good fit, and that’s perfectly normal. You need to make sure you’re both comfortable. When you find the right mentor, you will know. Most dentists love their job and are eager to share their knowledge and skills. Your relationship with your mentor and the knowledge you gain will help pave your way to success. Perhaps you will be a great mentor yourself in the future.
The Different Types of Mentors – Everyone aspires to be a great dentist, but as a young vendor you have no idea what that should mean for you. This is where mentoring can transform you and your career. Below are three areas where graduates need to find mentors.
Clinical Mentors – As I began to realize that dentistry is not a textbook like I was taught in school, I began building a network of dentists to call on and inadvertently created mentors that have been with me throughout my life and Have helped. Sometimes you lose your mind and having another provider who can guide and enlighten you is invaluable.
Professional mentors for life – After graduation, there is no way a dentist wants to be back in a conference room. They’re willing to get their hands dirty, work with patients, and most importantly, make some money. What many are unaware of is that there are many more hours that must be devoted to quality continuing education to ensure the best patient care and highest profits. Choosing a professional mentor will set you on a steady climb to progressive success.
Personal Mentors – After all, you are a person with a diverse life that includes dentistry. Connecting with your network of dentists will help you find someone whose life you desire. emulate, emulate. Working with different types of mentors can help you define those boundaries and make you successful on your terms.
We all know how important mentoring is but unfortunately some mentoring can be harmful. You shouldn’t say that to your mentee when he becomes a mentor.
- Don’t question new techniques your apprentice may have learned. Instead, ask questions about
them and be interested. This is called reverse tutoring - Don’t introduce new technology. Dentists must strive to improve dentistry and dental care with each new generation and recognize that change is inevitable.
- Do not prevent new ideas. so it’s a two-way conversation.
- Suppress the need to criticize in front of a patient. Criticism is disrespectful and does little to promote mutual respect and trust.
- Try not to just focus on making or saving money. Make an effort to show the trainee how excellent patient care ultimately translates into financial rewards.
- Emphasize the importance of continuing education and support lifelong learning. This is the best gift you can give your apprentice.
If your mentor isn’t helping you achieve your dreams, keep looking.
Pre-Dental Tutoring for Students – While dental tutoring typically involves an experienced dentist and a new dentist, tutoring for a student who wants to become a dentist is an equal privilege. Dental school applicants must devote many hours, up to 100, to shadowing dentists, so the need for successful mentoring relationships is evident.
Some of my trainees at the dental school are:
- A young man recently shared joyful news of his acceptance to the Creighton University School of Dentistry.
- The accountant’s son is now at Temple University School of Dentistry.
- A naturalized Ukrainian citizen who has wanted to be a dentist since he was four years old.
- Part-time teaching assistant at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
I have the privilege of advising this group. I learned a lot from them about the current dental application process and other challenges, particularly funding for today’s dental school education.
I also learned about new opportunities for dental students after graduation, including dental service organizations, multi-specialty internships, and teaching internships at dental schools.
What I ask in return for the trainees is perhaps even more important. do for me, I say, “Pay it forward”. Find someone to help you through the maze of the dental school application process and guide them to successful admissions and beyond. Your perspective is valuable and will help take our profession to the next level of excellence while also learning about today’s students.
A Successful connection through AGD Mentor Match – Through AGD I was able to connect with not just one, but two phenomenal dentists who have been incredibly supportive of my development and that of my fellow students. I witnessed my first implant surgery, took my first digital tooth photos, and will gain first-hand experience with microscopes, CEREC, and computer-aided anesthesia with the support of local AGD mentors. These experiences and many others would not have been possible as a student without the Quebec AGD Chapter and mentor match program. I encourage any student who wishes to gain more knowledge or a network outside of school to sign up for this invaluable experience
