Updates in General Dentistry Conference Focuses on Mentoring

Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM) Dean ad interim Dr. Jeffrey Hutter and Professor and Chair of General Dentistry Dr. Judith Jones welcomed General Dentistry faculty, students, and Applied Professional Experience (APEX) and Extramural Program mentors as they gathered in the 670 Albany Street auditorium on Thursday, April 24 to attend, Updates in General Dentistry, an annual conference that discusses the latest research and techniques in the field.

Dr. Hutter started the day off with his opening remarks, emphasizing the conference’s focus on mentoring. "I can think of no better example of successful mentoring than our APEX and externship partners," said Dr. Hutter. " We thank each and every one of you for volunteering to mentor our students and for giving back to the profession."

Dr. Hutter also gave a brief update on the state of the school and discussed BUGSDM’s goals for the future. Following his remarks, Dr. Jones talked briefly about ethics and professionalism adding, "We expect everyone to behave ethically and professionally at all times and adhering to these standards is the key to graduation for students."

Associate Professor of Psychology at Claremont McKenna College and Associate Director of Kravis Institute of Leadership Dr. Susan E. Murphy gave the keynote lecture titled, Keys to Effective Mentoring Relationships as well as a lecture later in the morning titled, Dispelling the Myths About Protégés and Mentors. Dr. Murphy has published over 30 articles and book chapters on leadership development and mentoring.

"Mentoring is, as a rule, difficult," said Dr. Murphy. "Everyone is different and has different styles of mentoring and different strengths. Even though it is difficult, organizations have a lot to gain through mentoring because it allows them to pass on knowledge that might otherwise be lost as people leave the organization."

After lunch participants chose from a selection of workshops, including Taking Mentoring to a New Level, by Dr. Murphy; Direct Entry of Summatives in SPS, by Director of Information Technology Mr. Ibrahim Kachouh; Evidence-based Dentistry for Case Presentations, by Associate Professor Dr. Paul Farsai; and Painless Partials, by Director of the Predoctoral Removable Prosthodontics Dr. Jean Emerling. The day ended with a workshop given by Dr. Jones titled, Strategic Planning for the Department of General Dentistry.