The transition to dental school can be challenging, particularly for international students or for those who are living away from home for the first time. A mentorship program at the UCSF School of Dentistry, created in 2003, connects incoming students with UCSF faculty members, helping them assimilate into the university and enjoy a smooth transition.
The program is a success thanks to faculty members from the School of Dentistry's Parnassus and Buchanan locations who volunteer their time. This year, 24 faculty members are participating in the mentorship program.
Faculty from all departments at the School of Dentistry are invited to participate as mentors to the incoming students. They are assigned a group of four to five students and asked to meet with them on a regular basis.
“The main purpose of these gatherings is so that faculty can socialize with incoming students and give them a chance to interact in a casual environment,” says Biana Roykh, DDS, predoctoral clinic co-director. “It’s an opportunity to share life stories, talk about dreams and ask questions about the profession and opportunities at UCSF and beyond.”
The mentorship program kicks off with a luncheon in early fall and is co-sponsored by the Dean's Office and the American Dental Education Association. Caroline Shiboski, DDS, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Orofacial Sciences, has chaired the program for the past several years and continues to be involved as a mentor. For the 2015-2016 academic year, leadership of the mentorship program has transitioned to Dr. Roykh and Sean Mong, DDS, EdD, predoctoral clinic co-director. Jim Kim, a second-year dental student, is involved as a student liaison and helps manage and organize events.
The relationships and connections fostered through the mentorship program continue throughout the years, often beyond graduation. “If we can make our students feel connected and welcomed, we hope they will remember it and pay it forward to others in their communities, says Dr. Roykh. “We want our graduates to look back at their time at UCSF with fondness and happy memories of the mentors and friends they’ve made at UCSF.”
Pictured:
- Mentors Dr. Sean Mong, Dr. John Fujikawa, Dr. Donna Hurowitz, Dr. Tony Ragadio and Dr. Kurt Schroeder
- Students gathered at the fall kick-off luncheon
- A selfie of mentor Dr. Sneha Oberoi and her mentees