Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
● Be enrolled in a U.S.-based college or graduate program, or currently taking a gap year
● Identify as a first- or second-generation immigrant
● Reside in the United States and hold legal status
Mission
The Pre-Dental Mentorship Program is dedicated to supporting first-generation college students
and immigrants who are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry. As dental school
admissions across the United States become increasingly competitive, access to meaningful,
peer-to-peer mentorship has become not just valuable, but essential. Our mission is to bridge
this gap by providing guidance, support, and individualized mentorship to help students navigate
the pre-dental journey with confidence.
Vision
Our vision is to meet students where they are in their pre-dental journey and, through one-on-one
mentorship, develop personalized plans that align with their academic background, experiences,
and long-term goals. We aim to empower students with the knowledge, resources, and support
needed to successfully pursue dental school and beyond.
What the Program Offers
Through this program, mentees will have access to:
● Biweekly mentor–mentee check-ins for personalized guidance
● Monthly Q&A sessions with current dental students
● Dental school tours and shadowing opportunities (when available)
● Workshops on applications, interviews, and career pathways in dentistry
● A supportive community for sharing advice, experiences, and encouragement
Whether you are seeking insight into dental school life, assistance with your application, or a
mentor to guide you through the process, this program is designed to support you every step of
the way.
Expectations for Mentees
All mentors participate in this program on a voluntary basis in addition to their full-time
commitments in dental school or professional practice. Therefore, we expect mentees to:
● Be proactive and timely in communicating with their mentors
● Take initiative in scheduling meetings and following up on action items
Additionally, mentees are expected to complete the application form as thoroughly as possible.
Individualized mentorship plans will be created after mentors review each applicant’s resume,
transcript, and stated goals
