We are currently in the process of revamping and re-launching our mentoring programme.
More information to follow soon
At BCDD we are passionate about improving the clinical careers of our colleagues. In the UK, research into the persistent attainment gap in medicine and dentistry, suggest that the environment and systems within which doctors and dentists train do not support equality of opportunity for learning and career progression for Black doctors & dentists. Multiple sources have highlighted a variety of factors, which can support success. The importance of positive role models has been shown in both medicine and dentistry to support junior colleagues to excel in their careers.
Within BCDD we have Doctors and Dentists spread across the UK in various fields with a plethora of experience, wisdom and knowledge. We truly believe in order to see our community flourish we need to create avenues to help expand and share this knowledge amongst colleagues, who may otherwise struggle to find and secure certain opportunities & professional paths. This is why we introduced the BCDD Mentorship programme.
The Mentorship process is one by which an experienced person (mentor) supports a less experienced person (mentee) by providing guidance, knowledge and advice. A good mentor can be pivotal in not only helping the mentee gain new skills but also developing in terms of their behaviour, attitude and professional outlook. When a young sprout is nurtured, and provided with direction it can take on a stronger, more straightforward and secure course and has a better chance of being fruitful early on. We hope that our mentoring programme will provide this for our professionals who are at an early stage in their careers and allow them to be the best that they can.
The mentoring programme lasts for a minimum of 1 year and mentors are matched with mentees following an initial questionnaire. There are regular check ins with the professional development reps to allow extra support if required. At the end of the programme mentorship pairs can choose to stay matched for a further year and there will be an annual mentorship social evening to celebrate the successes of the programme.