Dental Mentors UK is inviting struggling dental professionals to get in touch during these unprecedented times in a bid to alleviate anxiety, concerns and stress.
The free service is in reaction to the constantly changing landscape that dentistry is experiencing.
Dentist Dr Janine Brooks is senior clinical leader with more than 33 years management and leadership experience within the NHS.
She said: ‘As we know, the dental profession is struggling with extremely difficult times – perhaps the most difficult time we have ever experienced.
‘A group of dental professionals, who are also qualified and very experienced mentors, have come together to provide pro bono mentoring sessions for colleagues and final-year students.
'This is to help those during the crisis with emotional and personal support and to offer guidance to anyone who may need someone to talk with in this unsettling time.
‘Contact can be made at any time by email and offers support to the whole dental team. We have 22 mentors currently but we are adding more as they volunteer.'
The service is already helping dental professionals who have been impacted by COVID-19.
Janne said: ‘I had a 90-minute call with an orthodontist yesterday who was very worried, as she had just started negotiating to work abroad, and that has now fallen apart.'
Dental Mentors UK has a list of more than 20 dental coach/mentor volunteers – with more joining each day.
Contact details are included on the website at www.dentalmentorsuk.com
The website also includes a list of organisations offering support, as well as a list of reliable organisations for useful information about COVID-19.
Janine added: ‘Things are tough for everyone now and are likely to be for some time. Now might be a good time to talk to a colleague about how this is affecting you.'
A full list of mentors is available at www.dentalmentorsuk.com. You should contact the mentor of your choice directly to arrange a telephone call.