The District Notes

Great Expectations Mentoring Professionalism: A renaissance took place with the College’s Leadership Initiative with the development of a program called Great Expectations Mentoring Professionalism. The program is designed to guide the beginning dental student toward a more professional attitude and behavior through peer influence. Initially this peer influence is through selected upper classmates chosen by faculty and staff for their integrity and professional demeanor. Mentors from faculty and practicing ICD volunteers assist junior and senior dental students to host small groups in various activities that range from a get together to subjects of mutual interest such as pre- clinical techniques. Participation is voluntary; cohesive camaraderie is developed. Practicing ICD Fellows host students in their offices -- professional behavior is taught by example. The natural student to mentorstudent peer influence is gradually transferred from the faculty and practicing mentors, so that by graduation the student has acquired a strong sense of professionalism through this peer influence. This award winning program started at Baylor College of Dentistry and is being viewed with interest by other schools.

An informational brochure is available at: http://www.usa-icd.org/information/PDFs/Great_Expectations_mentoring.pdf. For further information please contact your state Deputy Regent.

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