• Student & Alumni
• Expressions Summer 2025

Connecting Learning and Practice

10th alumni mentorship scheme for BDS students bolsters clinical preparedness

The BDS students and the dental alumni share a joyful night.

To support Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students when they start treating patients, the External Relations and Knowledge Exchange Unit of the HKU Faculty of Dentistry has for the 10th time organised a Mentorship Programme for the Year 3 cohort. Thanks to the cooperation of the University of Hong Kong Dental Alumni Association (HKUDAA), every student in the Class of 2028 has been matched with a dental alumnus or alumna mentor for a year of external professional guidance and practical career insights.

This year’s Mentorship Programme was officially launched at an Inauguration Ceremony held on 16 January 2025 at Hotel Ibis in Sheung Wan, with the support of Haleon (GSK) as the event sponsor. The event brought together 57 mentors and 86 mentees, with each mentor paired with one or two mentees, all eager to embark on their mentorship journey.

The event opened with a welcome address by Professor Lijian Jin, then-Acting Dean of the Faculty, who extended heartfelt appreciation to the HKUDAA for their continued involvement in the Mentorship Programme. He highlighted the importance of local practising dentists providing mentorship to students to promote academic growth, clinical excellence, and professional development, while giving alumni the opportunity to give back to and maintain close ties with their alma mater. Dr Dave Chan, President of the HKUDAA, then delivered an inspiring speech that championed the value of life-long learning. His remarks set a purposeful tone for the evening, emphasising the spirit of knowledge exchange and sharing between alumni and the Class of 2028.

Thanks to the contribution of the mentors.

The Inauguration Ceremony set the stage for inspiring exchanges and meaningful conversations between dental students and alumni. Throughout the year, graduates will generously share their invaluable knowledge, experience, expertise, and tailored guidance with the next generation, including offering clinic observation visits to enrich mentees’ exposure to real-world dental practice. The scheme is designed to cultivate a dynamic, two-way relationship where both mentors and mentees inspire each other, fostering mutual growth and long-lasting connections.

As reported by previous cohorts, the mentorship scheme often fosters lasting mentor–mentee relationships that extend well beyond the formal engagement period. These supportive connections frequently accompany BDS students throughout their academic journey and well into their professional clinical careers.