The School of Dental Medicine is always happy to see our alumni and other dental professionals join us in providing mentoring and shadowing opportunities to students. Several resources are available to connect alumni and dental professionals with current DMD students.
Pitt Commons is an online platform designed to provide annual mentorship opportunities for current dental students and alumni within the Pitt Dental Medicine community. Dental students who sign up to be part of the Pitt Dental Medicine Panther Mentoring Group will have the opportunity to participate in a mentoring group in Pitt Commons based on common interests on a first come first serve basis. Mentees and mentors will be able to post and answer discussion board questions and receive valuable guidance and career support.
The group is monitored and maintained by Pitt Dental Medicine student services and Pitt Alumni Engagement staff.
Any Questions? Please email the Office of Student Affairs.
2026-2027 Program Information
The 2026-2027 program is open to current D2s and D3s. Students will be paired with an alumni mentor in November 2026. D2 and D3 students are invited to complete registration to be a part of the school's mentoring program. Once mentors and mentees are paired, participants will be able to connect in the mentoring group in Pitt Commons and are required to meet at least twice during the 2026-2027 mentoring cycle.
Apply to Join the Pitt Dental Medicine Panther Mentoring Program
Timeline
- Application Window: Sept 25, 2026 - Oct. 25, 2026
- Match Date: November 2, 2026
- End Date: January 30, 2027
Mentor and Mentee Expectations
Participants will be required to create an account in Pitt Commons, meet at least twice and complete post meeting surveys in Pitt Commons, and complete an end of program survey.
Mentoring Events
Mentoring events are scheduled throughout the year. If you are an alumnus interested in joining one of the mentoring events, please call 724-622- 6232, or email Jared Bogolea.
Advice from Past Mentors and Mentees
"My mentee and I talked through it and I wanted to reassure her she wasn't alone. Though the program is officially through for the year, I believe my mentee and I will continue to connect in the future." 2025-2026 Mentor
"My mentor said to always ask questions and do as much as you can in dental school while you have so many faculty at your disposal." 2025-2026 Mentee
"This is an opportunity for alumni to give back to Pitt, and share meaningful advice that will aid a new dentist throughout their careers. I hoped I could be there for my mentee with an ear to listen, advice to give, or the flashlight to shine at the end of that tunnel." 2025-2026 Mentor
Additional Networking and Alumni Connections
- School of Dental Medicine Pitt Commons Group
The School of Dental Medicine Pitt Commons Group is open to all alumni, students, faculty, and staff at Pitt Dental Medicine to share resources, connect, and provide opportunities for continued networking and career insights. Join the School of Dental Medicine Group
- Ask Pitt Alumni
Have a question about your career path, networking, or professional development? The Pitt Alumni Association has a resource for students and alumni to connect with the Pitt Alumni Network. The tool is called Ask Pitt Alumni, and it lets you ask questions directly to members of the Pitt Alumni Network without creating a new account. Your question will be matched using AI to get connected to alumni with expertise to answer your question. Access this resource here: Ask Pitt Alumni
- Job searching: Handshake and Professional Opportunities
Handshake is a recruiting platform, connecting students and alumni to employers for jobs and career events. Please visit the Handshake website. Students sign in with their Pitt Account.
Visting the Professional Opportunities page to post or view jobs on our website.
