How Mentorship Shaped My Experience as an International Dental Graduate

My journey into the world of dentistry began in 2017 when I started my studies in Bulgaria. After years of hard work, I completed my exams in June 2023, and officially graduated in October. Even before graduation, I had already secured my future with Rodericks Dental Partners. I had, in fact, signed my contract before my exams were over, which gave me the peace of mind to focus on the last stretch of my academic journey. We had already decided where I would work, and I had even begun meeting my mentors prior to starting my new role.  

Following my graduation in October, I quickly moved forward with the process of registering with the General Dental Council (GDC), which I completed by November. By December, I had my GDC number, and in January, I started my practical training. Before jumping into practice, I spent two weeks shadowing my mentor, observing and learning the ropes. It was an essential phase where I was able to ease into the clinical environment and understand how things worked. 

Currently, I am working at Hunslet Dental Surgery in Leeds and I also work at Dinnington Dental Practice in Sheffield. Both teams have been incredibly supportive, making my transition into professional life smooth and rewarding. 

The Mentorship Experience 

The mentorship I’ve received has been nothing short of exceptional. It started with shadowing my mentors, where I would sit in on patient consultations, taking notes, and observing their methods. I was gradually introduced to the process of patient interaction, starting with taking histories and performing examinations. 

The mentors would often involve me in diagnosing and discussing treatment plans with patients. This hands-on approach was crucial before I began seeing my own patients. Once I started handling my own cases, my mentors remained a constant presence, always available when needed. Even on days when my mentor was unavailable, I had the assurance that I could seek help from other experienced dentists in the practice. The environment was never restrictive; I felt supported by the entire team. 

Farah, one of my mentors, set aside an hour every week for a personal tutorial, focusing on areas where I felt I needed extra guidance. This tailored approach made the mentorship process even more valuable. Whether it was discussing complex topics like root canals or going over guidelines for antibiotic use, the learning was always adapted to my needs. 

Transitioning from Bulgaria to the UK 

Moving from Bulgaria back to the UK was a significant transition. While clinical dentistry remains the same globally, the protocols and communication styles differ, especially within the NHS framework and GDC requirements. Studying in Bulgaria posed certain challenges, particularly in patient communication. The language barrier meant that while I could explain treatment plans, the deeper, empathetic patient interaction that’s crucial in dentistry was lacking. 

Returning to the UK, I had to quickly adapt to the new environment. The mentorship program that Rodericks Dental Partners offers played a critical role in helping me bridge these gaps, especially in learning the UK’s treatment protocols and improving my patient communication skills. Shadowing my mentors allowed me to refine these skills in real-time, ensuring I was on the right path. 

Why I Chose Rodericks Dental Partners 

Rodericks Dental Partners stood out to me from the beginning. They conducted an induction in Bulgaria, where they thoroughly explained their mentorship program, including a clinical passport that detailed all the expectations from us in the first weeks and months. This level of preparation and transparency was impressive. It showed that they were genuinely committed to our development rather than just filling positions. 

At the time, some of my peers were sceptical, questioning why a business would invest so much in their graduates. However, Rodericks Dental Partners proved true to their word. They delivered on all their promises, providing the support and mentorship they had assured us of. 

Although I don’t have experience with other dental corporates, I’ve heard from colleagues who faced challenges elsewhere. Many lacked the consistent mentorship and support that Rodericks Dental Partners offers. Knowing that I had the option to escalate issues or even transfer practices if needed provided a sense of security that was invaluable. 

Career Progression and Continuous Learning 

Rodericks Dental Partners has supported my career development every step of the way. Recently, I attended a course in Milton Keynes that covered topics I was particularly interested in. The induction course was tailored to provide the knowledge I needed, which I found incredibly beneficial. Additionally, the weekly tutorials with my mentor have been instrumental in my learning process. Over time, we’ve scaled back the frequency, but initially, they were crucial in helping me build confidence and competence. 

The approach to these tutorials was always flexible. For example, if the topic was root canals, we could either discuss it theoretically or book a patient together to work through the process. This tailored learning experience was far more effective than a one-size-fits-all approach. 

My Love for Dentistry 

Dentistry is more than just a job for me—it’s a passion. I’ve always been deeply interested in it, and even after a long day, I find myself listening to podcasts or reading up on new techniques. It’s a mentally rewarding profession, not just because I help others, but also because it brings me personal satisfaction. Whether it’s a major transformation or something as simple as relieving a patient’s discomfort, the positive impact I can make on someone’s life is immensely gratifying. 

Conclusion 

Reflecting on my journey from Bulgaria to the UK, I realise how crucial mentorship has been in shaping my career. The support and guidance I’ve received from Rodericks Dental Partners have been instrumental in my smooth transition into the UK dental system. The tailored mentorship, combined with the continuous learning opportunities, has not only helped me bridge the gaps in my knowledge but has also set a solid foundation for my future in dentistry. I’m excited about what lies ahead and am grateful for the strong start that this mentorship has provided.