Alumni Mentorship Program

Help Shape the Next Generation of Dental Professionals

The UMKC School of Dentistry Alumni Mentorship Program connects experienced dental professionals with current dental and dental hygiene students who are preparing for their careers. Through meaningful one-on-one relationships, mentors provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world insight while helping students navigate dental school and the transition into practice.

The UMKC School of Dentistry Mentorship Program will launch in October 2026. We are currently recruiting mentors and accepting interest forms to prepare for mentor-mentee matching.

Your knowledge and experience can make a lasting impact.

Why Become a Mentor?

As a mentor, you can:

  • Share your professional experiences and career journey.
  • Help students explore career paths and specialty options.
  • Provide advice on leadership, communication, and professional development.
  • Discuss topics such as work-life balance, practice ownership, and transitioning into practice.
  • Build connections with future colleagues and give back to the School of Dentistry community.
  • Make a meaningful difference in a student's educational and professional journey.
  • Have fun!  Enjoy a restaurant, sporting events, or show together.

Mentorship is designed to be flexible and rewarding, allowing each mentor and mentee to determine the communication style and meeting schedule that works best for them.

Program Goals

The Alumni Mentorship Program aims to:

  • Connect students with experienced dental professionals.
  • Foster professional growth and leadership development.
  • Strengthen relationships between alumni and the School of Dentistry.
  • Support students as they prepare for successful careers in dentistry and dental hygiene.
  • Build a stronger UMKC School of Dentistry community.

Who Can Participate?

We are currently seeking mentors from:

  • UMKC School of Dentistry alumni
  • Dental hygienists (RDH)
  • General dentists (DDS/DMD) (does not have to be an UMKC Graduate)
  • Specialists from all areas of dentistry (does not have to be an UMKC Graduate)
  • UMKC Faculty and Staff

Students from the UMKC School of Dentistry may apply to participate as mentees.

What Is Expected of Mentors?

Mentors are encouraged to:

  • Actively participate and connect with their mentee on a regular basis throughout the academic year.
  • Provide guidance, encouragement, and professional insight.
  • Share honest experiences and lessons learned.
  • Serve as a positive role model.
  • Help students identify resources and opportunities for growth.

There is no required number of meetings—each mentorship pair is encouraged to develop a schedule that works best for them.

What Is Expected of Mentees?

Mentees are encouraged to:

  • Take the initiative in communicating with and scheduling meetings with their mentor.
  • Be respectful of their mentor's time by arriving prepared and communicating any scheduling changes in advance.
  • Come to meetings with questions, goals, or topics they would like to discuss.
  • Be open to feedback, advice, and new perspectives.
  • Actively engage in conversations and follow through on action items or goals.
  • Maintain professionalism and confidentiality throughout the mentorship.

There is no required number of meetings—each mentorship pair is encouraged to develop a schedule that works best for them.

Ready to Get Involved?

Become a Mentor or Sign Up as a Mentee

If you are interested in serving as a mentor, please complete the Mentor Interest Form.

Know Someone Who Would Be a Great Mentor?

Help us grow the program by sharing the interest form with colleagues and fellow alumni who are passionate about supporting future dental professionals.

Questions?

If you have questions about the Alumni Mentorship Program, please contact Madison Mohr.