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After a successful trial run, the Dentistry Mentorship Program is back. It's a great opportunity for alumni to give back to the profession by sharing knowledge and experience with their future colleagues. We sit down with Dr. Rick Raftus (DDS'86) who particpated in last year's program to find out more about how it all went.

Question 1: Why do you feel that mentorship is important?

The mentorship program is an opportunity for students to become more aware of the many different aspects of the dentistry profession.

Question 2: How did your student connect with you last year, and what kind of time commitment was involved? 

My student connected with me by email and the time commitment was minimal. As a part-time instructor with the Faculty of Dentistry, the student was able to touch base with me on a weekly basis. We made contact at the school four or five times for a few minutes each time. My student also spent a day and a half at my office job shadowing.

Question 3: What kinds of questions or topics did your student connection ask you about? 

My student was interested in how general dentists are able to focus their practice on specific disciplines. He was also interested in the dynamics of a general practice. As a mentor, I always make a point to inform the student of the many different opportunities available.

Question 4: While serving as a mentor, did you learn anything new- either about the student experience or even about yourself? 

As a part-time instructor I'm already aware of the student experience in general. The mentorship program helped to reinforce how important it is to educate students about all aspects of the dental profession. 

Question 5: What is the most important thing students and mentors should keep in mind when beginning a mentorship connection? 

Students and mentors should keep in mind that the program is not time consuming. It's a great opportunity for students to ask questions and learn aspects of the profession beyond the borders of their educational experience. It's also a great opportunity for the mentor to make the student aware that they are an integral part of a very special profession.