Why is our Work At Dental Mentor
Important to the NHS?
At Dental Mentor, we recognise the critical issues currently affecting the NHS, which directly align with our work in supporting aspiring students. These issues include addressing the dentist shortage, promoting diversity and inclusivity, improving patient outcomes, and fostering innovation and progress. We understand that the journey to becoming a dentist starts long before graduation, and education, training, and wellbeing support should be accessible from the beginning of the student’s path. While many organisations focus solely on getting students into dental school, we go beyond that by providing lifelong mentoring and support through Medsoc UK for dental and medical students and Doctor Mentor for doctors and dentists. Our holistic approach combines facilitating entry into dental school with nurturing the qualities necessary for a successful and fulfilling career as a dentist.
The National Health Service (NHS) in the UK faces several big challenges, some of which are:
- Access to NHS dentistry: One of the significant issues is the availability and accessibility of NHS dental services. Many people struggle to find an NHS dentist, particularly in certain areas or for specific treatments. This often leads to long waiting times or patients resorting to private dentistry, which can be costly.
- Funding and budget constraints: The NHS faces financial pressures, and dentistry is no exception. The budget allocated to dental services has been under strain, leading to limitations on the number of treatments and the availability of advanced or specialised procedures. This can impact the quality and range of dental care provided.
- Staffing shortages: The dental workforce shortage is a concern, especially in certain areas and for specific roles, such as dental hygienists and therapists. The shortage of dentists can result in increased waiting times for appointments and reduced access to care.
- Oral health inequalities: There are significant oral health inequalities across different regions and demographic groups in the UK. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and lifestyle choices contribute to disparities in oral health outcomes. Addressing these inequalities and improving oral health education are important challenges for the NHS.
- Prevention and oral health education: Promoting preventive dentistry and oral health education is crucial to reduce the burden of dental diseases. Encouraging regular dental check-ups, emphasising oral hygiene practices, and educating the public about the impact of diet and lifestyle on oral health are ongoing challenges.
- Integration with general healthcare: Dental care is often treated separately from general healthcare within the NHS. Improving integration between dentistry and other healthcare services can enhance patient care, particularly in cases where dental conditions are related to or impact overall health.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic most of our dentists were working on the front-line. This was an incredibly stressful time. Our dentists were finding it both physically and emotionally demanding as they found themselves in unpredictable situations. They faced a variety of hurdles such as a lack of resources and staff, dynamic guidelines that were constantly developing as more research was being carried out and services being overwhelmed.
Our dentists were very grateful to have the opportunity to mentor and share their insights with dental students and aspiring students and parents. Mentoring is an incredibly rewarding experience, with our dentists feeding back that it kept them going, by reminding them why they became dentists in the first place. The interactions that they had with our applying student cohort were grounding, inspiring and they found a lot of strength from the support that they were receiving from the whole Dental Mentor family.
Our aspiring students took part in a volunteering challenge with Dental Mentor and raised over £10,000 for the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, supporting doctors and dentists facing hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our relationship with the RMBF continues to this day with Dental Mentor Students fundraising to support their future colleagues.
Read about how Kayleigh fundraised through our most recent charity drive for the RMBF: https://rmbf.org/kayleighs-fundraising/
Our students can engage in a variety of different volunteering activities. Read about Reuben’s Seven Hills Challenge here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Reuben-Murdoch
Below is an example of a series of discussions that our doctors were having with the wider Your dental Family about what they were experiencing during the pandemic, at a Virtual Medical & Dental Society meeting.
COVID-19 Meetings and Fundraising Videos
Dental Mentor Working with Aspiring Students on The
COVID-19 Innovation Programme
During the pandemic, Dental Mentor worked with aspiring students via our Dental Leadership Programme to encourage students to learn about the impacts of COVID-19 on the NHS and to come up with innovative solutions. Students worked in teams to conduct research on various different issues and presented their findings at a national medical & dental conference. Not only were students rewarded with certificates to evidence their hard work which supported their dental school applications, they developed valuable skills for personal growth.
The Dental Leadership Programme is a funded programme that delivers on our widening access to dentistry commitment and continues to promote awareness, skills development and a positive culture amongst future dentists.
Tackling the Stress and Impact of COVID-19 WITH
DOCTOR MENTOR
Doctor Mentor is a society of doctors & dentists dedicated to fostering a culture of empowerment, growth, and personal wellbeing in the NHS. Our mission is to provide personalised mentorship to the next generation of NHS dentists, empowering and inspiring them to become successful and fulfilled healthcare professionals.
By prioritising individual growth and development, we aim to create a supportive environment from the ground up, enabling dentists to provide exceptional care while promoting their personal wellbeing and happiness.
Click Below to Learn about...
- Find out about becoming a dentist at the Get into Dentistry Conference
- Speak to dentists at the InspireD Conference
- Debate key issues at the Wider-reading Society Meetings
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Listen to dentists talk about resource allocation at the Virtual Dental Society
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Update your knowledge with the Wider-reading
E-learning Course - Develop important skills such as leadership and problem-solving in the Dental Leadership Programme
EDUCATING OUR COMMUNITY ABOUT
FUNDING AND RESOURCES
At Dental Mentor, we are committed to educating our community about the funding and resource challenges facing the NHS through a range of educational initiatives. Our free conferences, virtual dental society meetings, debates, and presentations are designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the NHS. Our experienced speakers and mentors cover a wide range of topics, from the impact of funding on healthcare provision to the importance of public health and preventive measures.
We also provide e-learning resources and courses that help students understand the complex issues facing the NHS, including the impact of technological change, the need for investment in healthcare infrastructure, and the importance of workforce planning and development. Our e-learning resources are designed to be accessible and engaging, providing students with the tools and knowledge they need to become informed advocates for positive change in the healthcare system.
At Dental Mentor, we believe that education and awareness are key to addressing the funding and resource challenges facing the NHS. By providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the issues facing the healthcare system, we hope to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders and advocates, who will work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable healthcare system for all.
The UK is currently facing a significant shortage of dentists, which has become a major concern for the country’s healthcare system. The lack of dentists is due to a range of factors, including an aging population that requires more dental attention, and a rise in demand for dental services. Additionally, the NHS has faced challenges in recruiting and retaining dentists, with many leaving due to high levels of stress and burnout, long working hours, and a lack of resources and support.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the shortage, with many dentists being redeployed to manage the crisis and others leaving the profession due to concerns about their safety and well-being. As a result, patients may experience longer waiting times, reduced access to specialist care, and a decreased quality of healthcare services. The shortage of dentists in the UK is a complex issue that requires significant investment and reform to address.
Dental Mentor’s work with applying students ensures that students are making a well-informed decisions about a career in dentistry We also work with students through programmes such as the Medical Leadership Programme to enhance confidence and skills development. These factors contribute to good recruitment of doctors who are likely to stay in training and become the innovators and problem-solvers of the future.
Why are students struggling to make an informed decision about becoming a dentist?
There are several barriers that secondary school students may face when considering a career as a dentist. Some students may have limited exposure to the field of dentistry, which can make it difficult for them to fully understand the profession and its requirements. The cost of dental education is high, and many students may be deterred by the financial burden of pursuing a career in dentistry. Becoming a dentist requires a high level of academic achievement, including excellent grades and test scores. This can be challenging for some students who may struggle academically. Students may be discouraged from pursuing a career in dentistry if they do not have any role models or mentors in the field. The lack of diversity in the dental field can also be a barrier for some students, particularly those from underrepresented minority groups. Dentistry is a demanding profession, and some students may be deterred by the long hours and challenging work-life balance. Students may also be considering other career options and may not see dentistry as the best fit for their skills and interests.
Our widening access commitment ensures that all students have access to free programmes and for the handful of paid programmes that are available to those who can afford them, we also provide funded opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. All of Dental Mentor’s programmes are available virtually, which reduces the cost of travel to attend in person events and work experience. Our programmes have all been designed to provide as much value for as low a cost as possible. Thus, minimising the financial barriers to making informed decisions, supported by application mentoring to get into dental school.
Dental Mentor provides academic and personal support to students through our tutoring and student wellbeing programmes.
Our tutoring programme is designed to help students improve their academic performance and prepare for exams. Our tutors are experienced dental students and dentists who provide one-on-one support to students in a range of subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Tutors work with students to identify areas of weakness and develop personalised learning plans to help them improve their grades and achieve their academic goals.
We also provide a range of student wellbeing programmes to support students both academically and personally. Our student wellbeing programmes are designed to help students manage stress, build resilience, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Our programmes include workshops on stress management, time management, and study skills, as well as activities such as yoga and mindfulness sessions.
In addition, we offer mentorship programmes, which provide students with the opportunity to connect with experienced dental professionals who can offer guidance and support as they navigate their academic and professional journeys.
By providing academic and personal support, Dental Mentor aims to help students achieve their full potential, both academically and personally. Our programmes are designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their academic and professional pursuits, while also promoting mental health and wellbeing.
Our Chief Mentors are experienced professionals who have excelled in their fields and are passionate about mentoring the next generation of medical and dental professionals. They serve as role models to aspiring dentists and provide guidance and support throughout their academic and professional journeys. Our Chief Mentors offer talks, webinars, and workshops on a range of topics related to the dental profession, such as dental school applications, career development, and personal development. They also provide one-on-one mentorship to students who are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry.
We also have a network of volunteer dental professionals who have once been applying students themselves and wish to give back to secondary school students. These dentists serve as role models to aspiring dentists and provide valuable insight into the dental profession. They offer talks and workshops on topics such as dental school applications, career development, and personal development.
Through our Chief Mentors and volunteer dentists, Dental Mentor provides aspiring dentists with access to role models who can inspire and guide them as they pursue their academic and professional goals. These role models have first-hand experience of the challenges and opportunities of the dental profession and can provide valuable advice and support to students who are embarking on their own journeys in dentistry.
Dental Mentor provides students with the opportunity to consider other careers through its partnerships with Dental Mentor, Vet Mentor, Allied Healthcare Mentor, and Law Mentor.
Through these partnerships, Dental Mentor offers students access to a range of resources and opportunities to explore other career paths beyond dentistry. For example, Medic Mentor provides guidance and support to students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. Vet Mentor offers similar support to students who are interested in veterinary medicine. Allied Healthcare Mentor offers guidance on careers such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and nursing. Law Mentor offers support and resources to students who are interested in pursuing a career in law.
In addition, Dental Mentor provides a range of workshops and events that showcase different career paths and highlight the unique challenges and opportunities of each profession. These events give students the opportunity to meet professionals in other fields, learn about their experiences, and ask questions about their careers.
By partnering with Medic Mentor, Vet Mentor, Allied Healthcare Mentor, and Law Mentor, Dental Mentor provides students with a broader perspective on career options and helps them explore other fields beyond dentistry. This allows students to make informed decisions about their future career paths and consider a range of options that may be suitable for their interests and skills.
Dental Mentor encourages the use of technologies and innovation among secondary school students who want to become dentists and are involved in our Dental Leadership Programme in several ways:
Virtual Work Experience: Our Virtual Work Experience programme allows students to gain an insight into the dental profession by providing a series of online activities and interactive simulations. These activities incorporate the latest technologies and techniques used in dentistry, such as virtual reality, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence.
Dental Technology Workshops: Our Dental Technology Workshops provide students with hands-on experience with the latest medical and dental technologies and equipment. These workshops are designed to give students a practical understanding of how technology is used in dentistry and inspire them to think creatively about how they can incorporate technology into their future practice.
Dental Leadership Programme: Our Dental Leadership Programme features talks and discussions on emerging trends and technologies in the dental profession. These events provide students with the opportunity to learn about the latest developments in dentistry and how they can incorporate these innovations into their future careers.
Overall, Dental Mentor encourages the use of technologies and innovation among secondary school students who want to become dentists and are involved in our Dental Leadership Programme by providing access to the latest tools and techniques, and inspiring them to think creatively about how they can incorporate technology into their future practice.
Dental Mentor is Committed to
Widening Access to Dental School
Widening access to dental school involves making the opportunity to pursue a career in dentistry more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented communities, lower socio-economic backgrounds, and non-traditional pathways.
Dental Mentor is a UK-based social enterprise organisation that aims to increase the diversity and inclusivity of the dental profession by providing support and guidance to students from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry.
Dental Mentor Encourages Equality and Diversity Among Staff, Mentors and Students
Dental Mentor is dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in our community. We ensure diverse representation among our team of mentors, providing ongoing training to support effective engagement with students from all backgrounds. We prioritise creating a safe and inclusive environment, with policies in place to address any discrimination or harassment. Our programmes and events incorporate diverse perspectives, speakers, and topics related to diversity and inclusion. We believe that an inclusive community is crucial to inspiring and supporting the next generation of dental professionals.
Apply to Join the UK's Largest
Scholarships to Study Dentistry
The Dental Mentor Scholarship programme is an exceptional opportunity for aspiring dental students to achieve their dreams of becoming doctors. With the potential to receive up to £12,000 across your 6-year dental degree, the programme provides students with a strong financial foundation to pursue their studies at university. But that’s not all – the scholarship also includes continued pastoral support and mentoring, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and guidance needed to succeed throughout dental school. Exclusive national CV opportunities help our scholars secure top jobs after graduation, setting them up for long-term success. By investing in the next generation of dental professionals, the Dental Mentor Scholarship programme inspires hope and possibility, empowering students to pursue their passion for dentistry and make a meaningful impact on the NHS as future game changers and leaders.
Learn About how Dental Mentor Students Became Scholars!
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Let's Get that
DENTAL SCHOOL APPLICATION SORTED!
Dental Mentor is an all-in-one solution to your dental school application. We bring only the best resources for tackling every single component of your dental school application to one place. We are here to help you work efficiently, by balancing the UCAS application process alongside your school work and extracurricular activities. One of the best ways to save you time is to direct you to the best advice and resources so that you do not have to waste time searching for them yourselves.
We know what you are going through, as dentists and dental students who were in your position! By combining application knowledge, extracurricular opportunities, platforms to up-skill and boost confidence, it is not a surprise that Dental Mentor students are successful. Will it be difficult? Yes, applying to dental school is not easy. But through Dental Mentor it will be less stressful, and even fun. Let’s get started.
Quick Application Guide to Dental School
Click on the links below to take you straight to the resources that you need help with.
Our Partners
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