Mentorship: Successful 2024 Panel and Social at SPEAR Education
Mentorship in Action: Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships Panel & Social Event a Success!
Pictured: Dr. Darin Dichter, Sonia Ramirez, D3 ATSU-ASDOH, Dr. Laila Hishaw, Pediatric Dentist and Founder and President of Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc., Dr. Jeff Bonk, Dr. Kim Perry, ATSU Chief Partnership Officer
Our inaugural Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships Panel and Social Event was a huge success, thanks to Spear Education’s support and the inspiring contributions of our expert panelists! The event connected pre-dental and dental students with leading dentists to share insights on career advancement, patient communication, and clinical practice.
Special thanks to Dr. Hishaw, panelists Drs. Steve Ratcliff, Darin Dichter, Jeff Bonk, and moderator Dr. Isaac LaVant for their guidance. Students from ASU, ATSU, and Midwestern enjoyed networking, a campus tour, and exciting prize giveaways, including surgical loupes and Spear Seminar seats.
A heartfelt thank you to Niki Woods, Juli Manke, Spear volunteers, and the dentists who dedicated their time to make this event possible. Our students left inspired, hopeful, and ready to take the next steps in their dental careers!
Read SPEAR’s report of the event below:
“Spear Education Hosts Diversity in Dentistry Event
Spear Education recently hosted an inspiring event in partnership with Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc., to empower the next generation of dental professionals. The event, held at Spear’s Scottsdale campus on Sept. 9, 2024, brought together undergraduate and dental school students for a panel discussion and social hour.
“As a first-generation Hispanic student, I found their advice on navigating and excelling in my future dental career to be immensely valuable,” said Sonia Ramirez, D3 ATSU-ASDOH. “This event provided me with crucial insights that will profoundly influence my development as a young dental professional. I am deeply grateful to those who invest their time in supporting underrepresented groups, helping us gain the knowledge needed to deliver exceptional dental care.”
The panel was led by Spear Resident Faculty members Drs. Darin Dichter and Jeff Bonk, Spear’s Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Steve Ratcliff, and Pediatric Dentist and Founder and President of Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships, Inc., Dr. Laila Hishaw. They shared insights on clinical success, communication skills, career advancement, and exploring dental specialties.
“Spear has been a constant, enthusiastic, and generous partner since our very first Youth Summit in 2021,” said Dr. Hishaw. “Their commitment to mentorship goes beyond guidance—it’s about sharing knowledge and expanding networks to bridge the opportunity gap, and Spear did just that by hosting our inaugural Panel and Social Event which was an impactful success! I am deeply grateful that Spear supports our future dentists in their pursuit of greatness!”
“I love what Diversity in Dentistry Mentorships is doing for the next generation of dentists, and our profession as a whole,” said Dr. Leah Tekle. “I always leave [their] events inspired and invigorated, and this event hosted by Spear was fantastic. It was wonderful to have an event focused on supporting and developing our predental and dental students.”
“Spear Education takes great pride in partnering with Diversity in Dental Mentorships, Inc., to offer opportunities like this one,” said Spear’s Chief Dental Officer, Dr. Steve Ratcliff. * “It’s incredibly exciting to see such a diverse group of young professionals seeking a career in dentistry!”*
For more information on Diversity in Dental Mentorships, visit their website here.
About Spear Education
Known for high-caliber dental education and practice solutions, Spear Education makes it possible for dentists and their staff to achieve Great Dentistry. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, Spear offers the full spectrum of in-person and online education and practice management resources designed to help dental practices provide the best quality of care to their patients and love what they do. With nearly 11,000 members, 700+ Study Groups, and thousands of available continuing education courses taught by engaging, world-renowned faculty, Spear is the industry leader in dental education and practice management solutions.”
Read the SPEAR article HERE.
Watch the recap video HERE.
