Unlocking success

Mentoring is the provision of assistance from one person to another in a relationship of trust that effectively enables the recipient to learn, develop their abilities and enhance their own potential in line with their personal and professional goals. The benefits perceived from having a mentor are increased self-belief and incentive, whilst developing the ability of professional reflection and applied understanding. Synonymous with these perceived benefits are increased personal and continuous professional development (CPD). Therefore, this is a relationship of mutual respect and personal and professional development, which requires a level of professionalism from both the mentor and the mentee. For this reason, communication and mentoring is emphasised throughout the General Dental Council's (GDC) Standards Guidance document. This document gives direction to dental care professionals (DCP) regarding professional conduct and working requirements that are expected by the GDC (GDC 2005). A common thread through most professional development-training programmes is the requirement of experiential learning within the workplace. The provision of which requires the trainee to become a reflective practitioner.