Advisor Program

A variety of advisor and mentoring programs are available to students.

I. Associate Dean for Students

The Associate Dean for Students serves as an advisor for all students enrolled in the undergraduate dental curriculum. She/he is available to provide academic, personal and career counseling. When required the Associate Dean refers students to agencies that are better equipped to provide specific assistance to an individual student. The Associate Dean for Students is a member of all of the SDM's Academic Performance Committees and serves as the Student Advocate. The Associate Dean for Students is also available to assist students in any of the appeals processes.

II. First Year Academic Advisors

In the first year all students participate in the course Critical Thinking in Dentistry – Correlated Medical Problem Solving. The first year class is divided into five different seminar groups. Each group is assigned a faculty facilitator as well as a 4^th year dental student who is participating in the Academic Elective. Faculty and 4^th year student facilitators are assigned the additional role of serving as Advisors to the 1^st year students in their seminar group. The facilitators work with the Associate Dean for Students to provide a healthy learning environment.

III. Mentor Program

Students are assigned to mentors within the dental community outside of the institution. A primary function for the mentor is to serve as a role model and provide advice. Students participate in the Mentor Program throughout the entire undergraduate program. Students may request a change of mentors to meet their specific needs and interests in dentistry.

IV. Team Leaders

Students are divided into one of two treatment teams for the Clinical Practicum. Each team has a Team Leader. The Team Leader is responsible for ensuring that each student is assigned appropriate patients to meet the requirements for the clinical program. Team Leaders are also available to provide other assistance and advice to enable the student to successfully complete the dental program. The Team Leaders are members of the Academic Performance Committee and thus are expected to serve as student advocates.

V. Academic Performance Committee Assigned

When one of the Academic Performance Committees (APC) identifies that a specific student is having academic problems, the APC may recommend that a student be assigned an Advisor. The APC may identify an Advisor that would most appropriately meet the student’s needs.

VI. Student Request

A student may request an Advisor at any time. Arrangements will be made by the Associate Dean for Students.