Mentoring. A quality assurance tool for dentists. Part 2: what are mentoring and coaching?

In this paper, the traditional model of mentoring is briefly explained. A description of the current technique, which has developed from the traditional model, is then presented and a distinction made between mentoring and coaching, followed by a brief explanation of how mentoring, coaching and counselling make up a triad of helping activities. The authors then provide information on the use and impact of mentoring and coaching in some areas of human activity, other than dentistry, before outlining the application potential of these approaches in general dental practice. The paper concludes that the modern approach to mentoring and counselling offers a person-centred approach that is much more likely than traditional approaches to produce personal change, personal growth and personal development. Further aspects of this important and exciting subject will be explored in subsequent papers in this series.