Mentor Program

The Minnesota Dental Association has implemented a statewide Mentorship Program to guide students in their journey into dentistry.  The mission of the program is to provide mentoring to students from the day they enter dental school through the transition into practice and establishment of their place in the dental community.  As part of the program the MDA hosts an event for the mentors and dental students to meet for dinner in a casual atmosphere.  During this program the mentors and students hear from MDA and ASDA leaders regarding organized dentistry and the benefits of getting involved early on.

Program Goals:

1. To welcome the dental student to the profession and to introduce him/her to the three levels of organized dentistry (national, state, and local).
2. To direct the student towards becoming a future actively participating member of the local component dental society.
3. To serve as a resource for specific information on organized dentistry, as well as general information on the profession.
4. To promote camaraderie and a feeling of belonging in the dental community from enrollment in dental school through graduation and the transition to dental practice.
5. To aid the student through school and to ease the transition between dental school and post-graduate activities.
   

Mentor Responsibilities:
Members to be considered as potential mentors include: members in good standing; members of all specialties and interests; and retired dentists who are dedicated active members and who continue to regularly attend sponsored events and meetings.  Members should be willing to share their experiences in the profession and open their practice for visits.

The responsibilities of a mentor include contacting the student and establishing rapport, delivering information on organized dentistry and the component’s activities, inviting and accompanying the student to component meetings and activities, being a positive, ethical role model for the student, inviting the student to the mentor’s office to observe, reinforcing the importance of organized dentistry, and inviting the student to at least one non-professional activity (home, club, social or recreational) each year. Students should not be utilized to perform uncompensated lab work or related office duties.

Benefits of Being a Mentor: 

• Networking with colleagues
• Working through problem solving – gaining new perspectives
• Sharing expertise
• Giving back to the profession
• Helping develop the profession’s future
• Staying apprised of changes in dental education

Student Responsibilities:
Each student is assigned a mentor his or her first year of dental school and is asked to communicate at least monthly with the mentor (telephone, lunch, office visit, social, recreational, etc.).

Student Expectations:

1. Honor and attend the invitations extended or set up alternate arrangements if it is not possible to attend.
2. Learn to ask questions about the profession, practice management, or other areas of interest.
3. Express your expectations for the relationship and define what you hope to gain.
4. Provide feedback to your mentor.
   

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor should contact the Minnesota Dental Association at 612-767-8400.