Program Overview/Description:
Mentoring can be an extremely rewarding experience for all parties involved. The Harvard School of Dental Medicine Pre-Dental Mentorship Program, sponsored by the HSDM Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging is designed to provide college-level students who are interested in dentistry with the opportunity to participate in a structured unique mentoring program. Participants are partnered with HSDM DMD students for one-on-one sessions (meant to foster mentoring relationship that can enhance career development for students interested in pursuing an oral health career. The program will provide one-on-one access to experienced dental students/trainees; provide guidance on topics related to dental school applications and dental student life; and share insights into specific areas of oral health that one can consider. At HSDM we are committed to diversifying oral medicine and see mentoring as an important component of a successful professional career. The HSDM Pre-Dental Mentorship Program welcomes and highly encourages individuals from historically underrepresented groups to participate. These one-on-one mentoring partnerships formally span over the course of a semester, but could potentially result in lifelong relationships.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the HSDM Pre-Dental Mentorship Program is to enhance the career development and growth of aspiring pre-dental students by facilitating one-on-one mentoring partnerships with dedicated dental students at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Expectations:
For Mentors
The HSDM Pre-Dental Mentorship Program is a structured mentoring program. Mentee participants can anticipate the following:
Regular Communications with Mentees:
- An introductory meeting will be scheduled for each mentee-mentor pairing. Assistance with setting up additional meeting dates will also be available. A flexible meeting schedule is encouraged to accommodate individual schedules. Mentoring relationships are often organic and have great potential to grow over time.
Time Commitment:
- Mentoring sessions are designed to fit the needs of all involved. Mentors can expect to hold at least two meetings with their mentees as a start. Decisions about additional meeting times can be discussed between mentee and mentor pairs independently.
Structured Programming:
- Mentors will work with their mentees to set realistic goals for the mentoring period. This discussion could include both short and/or long-term goals (e.g. studying for and taking the DAT, completing certain coursework, etc.).
Maintain Privacy:
- Program participants can expect that all information exchange will be conducted in a confidential manner.
Available Resources Made Available to Mentees:
Potential mentoring topics/areas include but are not limited to:
- Application prep and planning
- DAT prep and planning
- Tips on career prep extracurricular activities (e.g. research)
- Tips on selecting strong letter writers
- Interview tips and mock interview sessions
-
Personal statement brainstorming
- Note: The following activities fall outside of the typical mentor-mentee relationship expectations: consulting services, such as tutoring or personal statement editing.
For Mentees
The HSDM Pre-Dental Mentorship Program is a structured mentoring program. Mentee participants can anticipate the following:
Regular Communications with Mentors:
- An introductory meeting will be scheduled for each mentee and their respective mentors. Assistance with setting up additional meeting dates will also be available. A flexible meeting schedule is encouraged to accommodate individual schedules. Mentoring relationships are often organic and have great potential to grow over time.
Time Commitment:
- Mentoring sessions are designed to fit the needs of the participants. Mentees can expect at least two meetings with their mentor as a start. Decisions about additional meeting times can be discussed between mentee and mentor pairs independently.
Structured Programming:
- Mentees will work with their mentor to set realistic goals for the mentoring period. This discussion could include both short and/or long-term goals (e.g. studying for and taking the DAT, completing certain coursework, etc.).
Maintain Privacy:
- Program participants can expect that all information exchange will be conducted in a confidential manner.
Available Resources Made Available to Mentees:
Potential mentoring topics/areas include but are not limited to:
- Application prep and planning
- DAT prep and planning
- Tips on career prep extracurricular activities (e.g. research)
- Tips on selecting strong letter writers
- Interview tips and mock interview sessions
-
Personal statement brainstorming
- Note: The following activities fall outside of the typical mentor-mentee relationship expectations: consulting services, such as tutoring or personal statement editing.
Program Leadership Team:
Mentee Application Details:
Applications are now closed.
We plan to launch our program next year during the Spring. If you have any questions regarding the program, please email hsdm_odi@hsdm.harvard.edu.
Upcoming Events:
January 18,2023, 6:30-7:30PM
Mentorship in Dentistry webinar with Dr. Fadie Coleman:
JOIN US for our first webinar of the Pre-Dental Mentorship Program: "Mentorship in Dentistry." In this webinar, we will be discussing how to find a mentor, how to continue mentorship throughout your career in dentistry, and how to foster long-term relationships with your mentors/ mentees.
Registration prior to the event is required due to limited capacity. All are welcome to register. Please register through the following link: https://harvard.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEkduqhqj4rGNXCuT75YF0IAIuhoYkdQFhp