Advice for Mentors & Mentees: Perspectives From ROAAOMS Women in OMS Participants

Jennifer Dolan, MD, DDS, MPH, is a recent graduate of the University of Florida Health Jacksonville oral and maxillofacial surgery residency program. Although she was in the thick of learning the practice herself up until a few months ago, she paid her knowledge forward by becoming a mentor through the Resident Organization of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (ROAAOMS) Women in OMS Mentorship Program. This program matches resident managers with dental student mentees.

She and one of her mentees, Srighana Nadella, a DMD candidate at the University of Pennsylvania, share their experiences with the program and advice for other professionals on their own mentor/mentee journeys.

ACOMS: What does mentoring mean to you? Does the term “sponsorship” — advocating for someone else’s career advancement — come into play as well?

Jennifer Dolan (JD): I think mentorship is being available to give advice and guidance about navigating situations, whereas sponsorship is when you take the next step and help create opportunities for a person via introductions, nominations, recommendations, etc. I have had amazing mentors who have provided me with both mentorship and sponsorship, and I am truly grateful for them.

Srighana Nadella (SN): To me, mentoring goes beyond imparting knowledge; it includes sharing a unique perspective and providing guidance to help mentees grow both professionally and personally. Being a part of the AAOMS Women in OMFS mentorship program, I have gained not only clinical insights but also invaluable advice on navigating a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Sponsorship takes mentorship a step further; it involves actively advocating for the mentee’s career progression. While mentors and sponsors can have two distinct roles, there can be individuals who satisfy both roles. Dr. Jennifer Dolan, my mentor through the Women in OMFS mentorship program, exemplifies both roles by connecting me with individuals involved in OMFS policy and supporting my interest in integrating law into my OMFS career. 

ACOMS: What is one piece of advice you have for a prospective mentor?

JD: Try to take the jump from mentor to sponsor for your mentees, because helping open doors can make a world of difference for them.

SN: My advice for a prospective mentor is to listen first, then guide. Each mentee has unique goals, challenges, and perspectives. Mentors should be good coaches, offering guidance that aligns with the mentee’s specific aspirations rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Mentors like Dr. Dolan have shown the power of listening by understanding my interest in pursuing academic OMFS and advocacy, then tailoring their support accordingly.

ACOMS: On the flip side, how can mentees make the most of a mentor?

JD: Don't squander the opportunities that your mentor provides you. 

SN: Mentees should take initiative and approach the mentor with clear goals and introspection. I have found it helpful to come prepared with specific questions related to clinical skills and career advice. It is also important to stay open to feedback and actively seek out opportunities, such as presenting research at AAOMS. I also believe that expressing genuine gratitude and updating mentors on progress shows respect for their guidance and strengthens the mentor-mentee relationship. 

ACOMS: What is one thing you have learned from your mentor or mentee?

JD: I think each of my mentees has taught me how to be a better mentor. I have learned from them how to set goals together and tailor advice for achieving those goals.

SN: Among the many lessons I have learned from Dr. Dolan, one lesson is the importance of advocating for yourself and staying true to your goals, even in challenging environments. She has shown me that resilience and clarity in one’s career path are essential for success. Her encouragement to pursue my interests in research and law, alongside clinical care, has taught me that it is possible to shape a career that aligns with both my professional aspirations and my values.

ACOMS: Do you have any examples from your career of mentors who have supported you? What have you learned from them?

JD: My mentors have helped me get into and through residency and now are helping me as I begin my career in private practice. I think some of the most important things that they have taught me are to advocate for yourself and when you do something well let people know about it.  

ACOMS: What is something you’ve enjoyed most about the program?

JD: I’ve loved getting to watch each of my mentees grow, match into residency, and then pay it forward by also becoming mentors through this program. I have been matched with truly incredible women, and I’m so proud of each of their accomplishments! 

SN: One of the most rewarding aspects of the mentorship program has been the genuine connections I have built with individuals who are deeply invested in my growth. The program has provided opportunities to ask questions and gain insights that I might not have encountered otherwise. Learning from mentors like Dr. Dolan has been instrumental in shaping my career path as a woman in OMFS.

I am grateful for the program and the doors it has opened for me. The mentorship I have received has strengthened my commitment to the practice and has led to a deeper understanding of the specialty. I look forward to carrying these lessons forward, not only in my own career but eventually as a mentor and sponsor, helping others navigate their unique paths in OMFS.