Mentoring Program

The Mentoring Program is an exclusive ADAVB member service for recent graduate members, including ADC graduates, in the first year of their career.

First year graduates (mentees) are paired with experienced dentists (mentors) who can provide guidance and advice to support professional and personal development. 

The program is supported by Guild Insurance. Paediatric dentist and professional coach, Associate Professor Nicola Kilpatrick facilitates the training and discussions for the induction workshop, mid point review and end of program review. Resources and activities are provided throughout the program.

The 2022/23 Mentoring Program commenced in September 2022 (applications closed on 15 August 2022). 

For queries about the mentoring program, please email mentoring@adavb.org.

Benefits of taking part in the Mentoring Program

Mentees:

  • Learn from the experiences of others
  • Gain practical advice, encouragement and support
  • Become more self-aware and empowered to make decisions
  • Increase social and professional confidence
  • Develop communication skills
  • Develop strategies to manage and deal with both personal and career challenges.

Mentors:

  • Share experiences and knowledge
  • Strengthen active listening skills
  • Enhance own relationship building skills
  • Are exposed to different perspectives, ideas and approaches
  • Re-energise careers with a sense of fulfilment
  • Gain an added sense of purpose and responsibility for careers.

Meet the program facilitator, A/Prof Nicola Kilpatrick 

Nicky is probably better known to many as a paediatric dentist. She has more than 30 years of clinical, academic and management experience both in Australia and the UK. She has held leadership roles in health and academic organisations including the Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne and the universities of Melbourne, Sydney, Bristol and Plymouth. Based upon a philosophy of empowering others, Nicky has developed highly effective teams in health care, research and teaching. 

In recent years, Nicky has completed a Graduate Diploma in Coaching and achieved her executive coach certification through Coaching Australia. With more than 300 hours of individual coaching, Nicky brings a wealth of experience, insights and networks to her coaching practice. She is employed by organisations in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, to support clinicians, scientists and academics in using coaching, mentoring and sponsorship to promote sustainable and healthy professional environments. She has extensive experience in facilitating both professional learning and community engagement workshops.