Mentoring Students (K-16) Interested in Careers in Dentistry

Would you like to:

• Talk with a dentist in your community
• Ask questions
• Possibly observe first-hand (job shadow) a dental professional at work

Why Seek a Mentor

• Mentors can help you understand dentistry (from the other side of the chair)
• Provide guidance pursuing dentistry as a career

How to get Started

• Contact the mentor coordinator for your area from the list of mentor coordinators below.
• The mentor coordinator will refer you to a dentist in your area. Contact may take place via e-mail or phone and possibly include a job shadowing opportunity.

Suggested Questions

After reviewing the career information, it is helpful to for the student to create a list of questions to discuss with the dentist mentor. Here are just a few suggested questions:

• How did you become interested in dentistry?
  
• What kind of education is required to become a dentist?
  
• What can I do in junior high/high school/college to prepare for a career in dentistry?
  
• How and when would I apply to dental school?
  
• How difficult is it to get into dental school?
  
• What is the cost of a dental education?
  
• What are the average earnings for a dentist (general practitioner and specialist)?
  
• What kind of tools/equipment do dentists use?
  
• What is the future need for dentists?
  
• What is an average day like for a dentist in private practice?
  
• Where else do dentists work?
  
• Are all dentists self-employed?
  
• From your experience, what would you recommend to someone who is considering dentistry as a career?
  
• How or where else can I find information about dentistry?

It is suggested that a student write the dentist mentor a thank you letter for sharing his/her knowledge and experience.

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How to Get Started

If you’re interested in talking to a dentist mentor contact the participating state dental association /dental school in your area and ask for the mentoring coordinator. The mentor coordinator can refer you to a local dentist mentor who will get you started with the program.

NOTE: Since this is a pilot program, mentor coordinators may not be available in every area. If there isn’t a dental society/dental school listed for your state, contact your state dental association /dental school and ask for help in answering your career questions. For further information about the mentoring program you can also contact the ADA.

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Career Mentoring Web Resources

ADA.org Resources

Dental Education Programs
A listing of the ADA Commission-accredited US and Canadian Dental Education Programs.

Guidebooks from ADEA

Official Guide to Dental Schools
Comprehensive guidebook on applying and attending dental school.

Opportunities for Minority Students
Information specifically for minority students considering a career in dentistry.
(Both of these publications are available through. the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).

• http://www.adea.org

The ASDA Handbook
A Resource Guide for Predental Students. Dental school admission requirements, financial aid information and more is included in this guide available through the American Student Dental Association (ASDA).

• http://www.asdanet.org/store/

Society of American Indian Dentists at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health
(SAID-ASDOH)

Student Chapter of the Society of American Indian Dentist promotes the recruitment and retention of American Indian students into dental school and encourages the students to return to their American Indian communities to practice their dental profession. Provides specific resources for American Indian students including mentoring opportunities. The mailing address is: ASDOH Dental Clinic, ATTN: SAID-ASDOH, 5855 E. Still Circle, Mesa, AZ 85206.

• http://www.atsu.edu/orgs/said

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Other Possible Career Exploratory Programs

Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)
A national network of high school clubs promoting health professions occupations.

• http://www.hosa.org/whatis.html

Job Shadow Day Coalition
This national group coordinates with schools through the Schools to Careers, Junior Achievement and other community- based programs enabling youth to shadow professionals in the workplace.

• http://www.jobshadow.org

Learning for Life (Exploring)
A career education program for youth 15-20 years old targeting hands-on career activities.

• http://www.learning-for-life.org/exploring

Pipeline Profession & Practice: Community Based Dental Education
First corporate-University partnership in Nation to fund dental education for low-Income and minority students.

• http://www.dentalpipeline.org/

Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
Annual national career event provides youth ages, 9-15 an opportunity to view various workplaces first-hand.

• http://www.daughtersandsonstowork.org/

Who are Health Professions Advisors?
Information from the National Association of Advisors to the Health Professions (NAAHP) for students seeking college health advisors

• http://www.naahp.org/advisors.htm

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