Connecting Mentees with Mentors
The Mentorship Program is designed to support early-career dentists as they navigate their careers. Participants meet with mentors throughout the year. Based on participant feedback from the previous year’s program, the Mentor Program now offers two unique formats—mentorship pods and one-on-one mentoring. While mentors are encouraged to participate in both formats, mentees choose which works best for them.
Mentorship Pods
Mentorship pods bring together diverse backgrounds and specialities, offering opportunities to gain knowledge from different perspectives.
This program matches one to two mentors with six to ten mentees. New this year, Pod participants will be matched by work or residential location, making it easier for groups to meet in person for social events every two months. If a location matchup is not possible, pod participants will be matched based on interests and meet virtually.
In addition to in-person meetups, mentors will host monthly video meetings to discuss topics such as:
- Clinical dentistry
- Case studies
- Continuing education
- Business development and practice management
- Community building and networking
Loan repayment strategy - Advocacy & third-party payors
Work-life balance
The focus of these meetings is to foster genuine connections, share insights, and provide guidance.
One-on-One Mentors
Receive guidance and support from a mentor who has followed a similar path to you and can help you navigate a clear path to success.
This program pairs mentors and mentees based on practice modality or career aspirations. Participants will connect in person and virtually, meeting at a cadence that works for them.
Mentors work with mentees to define short- and long-term goals, set career development goals, and troubleshoot common challenges, such as clinical dilemmas and business issues.
Because there is no location restriction and communication is fluid, a genuine connection can be created between mentor and mentee.
MentEE—What to Know
We know that starting your professional career and practice can be challenging and sometimes overwhelming. Connecting with seasoned dentists who have already walked that path can be supportive and impactful.
Mentee ApplicationThe ideal mentee candidate is one to ten years out of dental school and interested in sharing and learning with seasoned dentists and peers. This program offers a structured environment that pairs newer professionals with more experienced dentists to share knowledge and provide guidance. The goal is to foster relationships to support both personal and professional growth.
Mentees will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis. When applying, mentees must choose a preferred program format—Mentorship Pod or One-on-One Mentor—but assignments may vary based on mentor availability and volunteer interests.
MentOR—What to Know
Remember, in the early years of your career, when you were filled with questions, excitement, ideas, and sometimes feeling overwhelmed? Sharing those experiences and feelings with dentists who are new to the field could be life-changing.
Mentor Application
The key to a successful mentorship program is the careful selection of mentors. Mentors need to listen actively, provide constructive feedback, and offer valuable insight based on their own experiences. Effective mentoring fosters positive and open communication, builds trust, and tailors guidance to the mentee’s unique needs.
If you are excited about giving back to the dental community, sharing your experiences, and helping to shape the next generation of dentists, apply today. And consider becoming a “Super Mentor” by leading in both mentorship platforms—pods and one-on-one.
Plus, if you know of other leaders who are MDS members and may be interested in mentoring, please email membership@massdental.org with their name and email address.