The importance of mentorship in dentistry

For many professionals working in industries across the board, having a mentor was vital in helping them get from where they were to where they wanted to be.

For Dee Dee Meevasin, DMD, that person was her childhood dentist, Dr. James Saycich. During high school, Meevasin worked as an assistant to Saycich, whom she credits with encouraging her to become a dentist. “He was just so passionate about dentistry – he was fun and enthusiastic,” said Meevasin. “I loved seeing him interact with patients – he inspired me to become a dentist.”

More from Amy Bowman: How Patterson Dental streamlined the startup process for one new practice

Meevasin credits her mentor not only for encouraging her to pursue dentistry, but also for teaching her how to run a practice. While working as an assistant to Saycich for five years after graduating from dental school, Meevasin was responsible for doing her own insurance billing, managing her assistant, managing the front desk, and doing payroll. “In addition, if I had a technical question Dr. Saycich would look at the X-rays and go through all of the steps with me,” she said. By 2011, Meevasin was ready to branch out on her own, which led her and her husband (who is also her office manager) to open Dee for Dentist in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Studies have shown that a mentor can make a significant impact on a person’s career. In fact, the results of a 2014 Gallup poll show that “graduates who had a professor or professors who care about them as a person – or had a mentor who encouraged their goals and dreams, and/or had an internship where they applied what they were learning – were twice as likely to be engaged with their work and thriving in their overall well-being.” The results were based on feedback from close to one million Americans of varying ages and with different educational backgrounds.

Finding a mentor can be challenging but the payoff can be great. A mentor can help you with practice management, interpersonal skills, and real world experience that is not normally taught in dental school. He or she can help motivate and inspire you to keep going when times are tough and can help you to see the “big picture.” A mentor can help you discover the easiest, best way of doing things and can help you to avoid having to learn more lessons the hard way.

Trending article: How the right practice management software helps one dental practice rock and roll

When seeking a mentor, it’s important to look for someone who has a good reputation among his or her peers and in the community. It also helps if he or she has a higher level of involvement in organized dentistry. Because you might face many new problems and challenges as a new dentist, it’s important to feel like you can contact your mentor at any time, which is why it helps if the mentor has the time and availability to work with you. For some, this means regular face-to-face meetings. For others, communication via email and few face-to-face interactions is more realistic.

If you’re seeking a mentor, there are a variety of resources to consider. You can start by talking to a dentist in your community, or contact your state dental association. By joining a professional organization, you’re more likely to be introduced to professionals who may be available to mentor you, or who may know someone who could serve as a mentor. Visit ADA.org for career mentoring web resources and don’t forget to be open to possibilities, and to meeting new people. A wise and trusted counselor could be waiting to help you get from where you are to where you want to be.