Reference/Features

A career development essential

Mentoring is a hot topic at the moment. Christine Macleavy looks at why it is a key component in shaping a dental nurse's path

A mentor is usually an experienced member of the team who serves as role model, providing support and direction to a newly qualified member.

According to the BDA: ‘Mentoring, is when an experienced, highly regarded, empathic person (the mentor) guides another (the mentee) in the development and re-examination of their own ideas, learning and personal and professional development.’

Mentoring, coaching and clinical supervision are not the same, despite some people thinking that their skills overlap. Supervisors are occupationally experienced, but their role is mostly directive.

A coach does not need to be occupationally competent, and many see this as a positive advantage, especially for personal development. A coach will not have any negative experiences in that line of work and can therefore work ‘content free’. They will also not have any personal issues with other members of the team, which could pose problems. A coach tends to use questioning to help individuals find their own solutions.

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