Mentorship is one of the most talked-about topics in dentistry — and rightly so. A great mentor can fast-track your development, help you avoid costly mistakes, and give you the confidence to take the next step. But mentorship only works if you do the work. After being the mentee for years, I’m now lucky enough to also be a mentor for graduates within my practices.
Here are a few lessons that I’ve learned about finding – and being – a mentor as a dental practitioner:
Your employer’s role is to provide a safe, compliant environment. That’s it. If you’re looking for growth? That’s on you.
Traditionally, dental practitioners were self-reliant, building their books and navigating the profession with little handholding, and while it can still be a particularly independent profession, there are several different ways that you can approach a mentor – or become a mentor for up-and-coming dental practitioners.
My best tip for approaching a mentor? Just reach out! Almost all dental practitioners are willing to help someone who approaches them with good questions and a good work ethic. Don't expect a mentor to just provide answers, but if you've done your research and have good questions, most will find joy in helping you.
If you're looking for a mentor as an employer, and have some targets in mind, then I'd suggest you apply well before the ad comes out. Sometimes, you'll even be the ideal candidate.
Just remember, in both cases it’s on you to pursue them. Expecting someone else to drive your career forward isn't realistic — but when you're proactive, people will lean in to support you.
In November 2024, I trained for months to run a 100km ultramarathon. My days consisted of 4 to 5 days of running (a mix of mornings, evenings and weekends) and then scheduled additional strength training to improve muscle power and lower the risk of injuries. All of this training also had to fit around family and business – which can get quite excessive when it added up to be 7-9 hours of training a week – and thankfully my family were happy to support me in the pursuit.
After the race, I stopped running regularly. It was a great goal and I'm proud, but I can't say that the training regime is sustainable with a family! Just three months later, an easy jog had my heart rate spiking. Growth fades without consistency — and that’s true in both fitness and dentistry.
In that same vein, mentorship isn’t a one-off consult. It’s a relationship. If your mentor gives advice, let them know how it turned out. Check in. Follow up. When mentors see you making progress, they’ll be more invested — because they know their time is making a difference.
The best questions come after you’ve already tried to solve the problem. Research the topic and reflect on what’s unclear. You’ll either solve it yourself or come to your mentor with a far more focused question — which helps them help you.
Mentors are often generous, but time-poor which means making the most out of every opportunity that you can. One of my team once came to discuss a case with me but didn’t have access to the Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scan — which was hosted locally at the other practice. We couldn’t review it together at the time we’d scheduled and had to go back and repeat the discussion later. When you’re prepared — with records, context, and a clear question — it shows respect for your mentor’s time and leads to better advice.
In a practice setting, I’m happy to invest in my team — because their growth leads to better outcomes for our patients and community. But if you’re a dental student looking for mentorship, it can also come from colleagues, speakers, or friends. Sometimes value is as simple as gratitude or a thoughtful follow-up. Other times, it’s connecting them with someone or offering insight from your own experience.
Early in your career, start by following the systems already in place — especially if they align with your values. Once you’ve built confidence and understand the “why” behind each step, then start to optimise. Think of it like following a recipe: you’ll get the best results by sticking to the method first. Once you know how the ingredients interact, you can start creating your own version.
Even if advice comes from someone experienced, you’re the one treating the patient. Never outsource your judgment. I tell my team not to take my word as gospel — always question, research, and come back with a view of your own. That’s how you learn deeply and safely.
Mentorship isn’t just about skill — it’s about fit. In our practices, we start with values in the hiring process, because if we’re not aligned on what matters, the clinical work won’t click either. Look for mentors whose decisions and priorities match the kind of dentist you want to become.
Personal goals are vital for career growth as well. While career goals can provide long-term direction and achievement, personal goals will help you build confidence, motivation, and provide short-term goal posts for you to reach – just like with my 100k marathon.
I recommend all dental practitioners have their own personal goals to reach and that they not allow dentistry to be the only thing to define you. It will also add another avenue in which your mentor or mentee can relate to you.
Nothing shuts down a mentoring relationship faster than arrogance. Stay curious, open, and humble. You don’t have to agree with everything but you should listen deeply and reflect before pushing back. That’s true at the start of your career, and it won't change when you’re decades into it.
Mentorship is one of the most valuable tools for growth but only if you approach it the right way. Show up prepared. Be proactive. Stay coachable. And most of all, take responsibility for your journey.
After all, even with a mentor by your side, you’re the one walking the path.
Dr David Keir is a dentist, practice owner, and the host of the Dental Mentoring Sessions podcast by Dental Head Start. Passionate about real-world mentoring for early-career dentists, David shares honest reflections and practical strategies to help you grow into the clinician you want to be.