Group photo of four people standing together in front of a red backdrop with repeated “R” logos, smiling at the camera.

Mentorship

RSDM Mentors

At Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, we believe mentorship is essential to shaping the next generation of oral health professionals. Mentorship fosters meaningful connections, supports professional and personal growth, and provides opportunities for skill development and lifelong learning. Our program strengthens relationships between students and alumni, builds leadership capacity, and promotes a compassionate, respectful, and diverse community dedicated to excellence in oral health.

Professional head-and-shoulders portrait of an individual wearing a dark buttoned jacket over a light collared shirt, standing indoors against a warm-toned wood-paneled background.

Portrait of a participant standing in a lecture hall. The individual is wearing a short-sleeve knit top and is positioned in front of tiered seating and wood-paneled walls.

Portrait of a participant standing in a lecture hall. The individual is wearing a blue blazer and light-colored shirt, with wood-paneled walls in the background.

Portrait of a participant seated in a lecture hall. The individual is wearing dark clothing and glasses, with tiered classroom seating visible in the background.

Peter Paradiso, MBS, DMD — Class of 2016

What motivates me to be a mentor and to support the mentorship initiative is the opportunity to provide guidance, friendship, and a listening ear to every one of my colleagues and alumni, no matter when they graduated or how long they have been practicing.

We all need different things throughout our careers, and I believe we are better dentists when we not only serve our patients but also support one another, professionally and personally. Mentorship doesn’t start and stop with dentistry; it goes beyond it.

Ashley Hay, DMD – Class of 2025

What motivates me to support mentorship initiatives is the chance to help others through the same journey I recently experienced. I’m motivated by the urge to give back to the profession. As a recent Rutgers Dental School graduate and current GPR resident, I know how important it is to have guidance from someone who understands the challenges of dental training, clinical growth, and planning the next step in your career.

Throughout school and residency, mentors can make a real difference by offering perspective and support during demanding times. Being able to provide the same support to students or younger colleagues is something I find meaningful. Mentorship helps build a stronger dental community where knowledge and guidance continue to be passed on to future generations of dentists.

Stephen Redmond, DMD - Class of 1995

Being a small part of the future of our profession is a wonderful experience, but the nostalgia of returning to RSDM, for me, is a great feeling.

RSDM played such an all-encompassing role in my life, and by participating in the mentorship initiatives, it brings back so many positive memories. I highly recommend donating an evening to the experience!

Tonya X. Cook, DMD, MPH — Class of 1995

Mentorship, to me, means giving back in a meaningful way.

I’ve benefited from people who guided me, supported me, and believed in me, and because of that, I feel a responsibility to turn back and help someone else rise. It’s about continuing the cycle of growth, support, and opportunity.

Dena Constandelis, DMD - Class of 2010

What draws me to mentorship is how much I genuinely love this profession and the people in it. Dentistry has given me more than just a career, it’s given me guidance, support, and relationships that shaped who I am today.

I’ve been fortunate to have incredible mentors along the way, and I’d love to pay that forward. If I can help someone feel more confident, supported, or less alone in their journey, that’s something I truly value.

RSDM Connect and Grow Mentorship Progam

The RSDM Connect & Grow Mentorship Program brings together students, recent graduates, and alumni. Through one-on-one conversations, whether over coffee, Zoom, a quick phone call, or a visit to an alum's dental office, alumni share their experiences, insights, and guidance to support the next generation of dental professionals.

Students gain valuable perspective on academic pathways, career decisions, and life after graduation. Alumni have the opportunity to give back and stay connected to the RSDM community and visit the school each year for an in-person mentorship event with students.

For questions contact Latoya Carroo, Alumni Engagement and Donor Relations for RSDM, at latoya.carroo@sdm.rutgers.edu.

Ready to get involved?

Thank you for supporting the next generation of RSDM oral health professionals. Complete this form to connect with students seeking mentorship, shadowing, and networking opportunities.

Two attendees pose together during the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event in a campus gathering space.

Three attendees wearing name badges pose together during the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event in an indoor networking space.

Two attendees pose for a photograph during the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event, standing in a reception area with event tables in the background.

Two attendees wearing event badges pose together in a lobby during the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event.

An attendee wearing a white clinical coat speaks with other participants during a networking conversation at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event.

Two attendees pose together near the entrance to the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event.

Two attendees pose together during the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event, highlighting connections between participants and alumni.

Four attendees gather for a group photo during the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event in a campus lobby.

Three attendees pose together near a refreshment area during the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event.

Two attendees pose together at a Rutgers Health event in a conference room. Round tables with red tablecloths and several other attendees are visible in the background near large windows and glass doors.

Two attendees stand together for a photo during the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Mentorship Event, with refreshments and artwork visible in the background.

Five attendees wearing blue clinical scrubs stand together for a group photo in a meeting space at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. A Rutgers School of Dental Medicine banner and event tables are visible in the background.

An attendee speaks with two other participants during a mentoring or networking conversation. The speaker is centered in the image while the other attendees are shown from behind in the foreground.

Four attendees pose together in a conference room during a Rutgers School of Dental Medicine mentoring event. Three participants are wearing blue clinical scrubs, and red-covered tables are visible behind them.

Two attendees stand together and pose for a photograph at a Rutgers School of Dental Medicine event. One attendee is wearing a white lab coat, and large windows overlooking the campus are visible in the background.

A presenter speaks into a handheld microphone while standing near a podium during a Rutgers School of Dental Medicine event. One hand is raised while addressing the audience.

An attendee holds a microphone and a mobile phone while speaking to a group during a mentoring event. Large windows behind the speaker provide a view of trees and campus grounds.

An attendee seated at a table speaks into a microphone during a panel discussion. Glasses rest on top of the attendee’s head, and a water bottle is partially visible in the foreground.

A panelist speaks into a microphone while seated at a table during a Rutgers Health mentoring event. Another panelist is seated nearby, and a Rutgers School of Dental Medicine banner is visible in the background.

Panel participant with long curly hair speaks into a handheld microphone while seated during a discussion panel. The background shows large windows and event space furnishings, with another participant partially visible beside the speaker.

Panel participant wearing a white clinical coat speaks into a handheld microphone while seated at the mentorship event. A water bottle and table covered with a red Rutgers-branded tablecloth are visible in the foreground.

Attendee seated at a table gestures with both hands while contributing to a discussion during the mentorship event. Refreshments and another attendee are visible in the foreground and background.

Attendee seated at a table speaks while gesturing with an open hand during a group discussion. Another attendee listens nearby, and refreshments are arranged on the table.

Attendee seated in a discussion setting, leaning forward and listening attentively to a speaker, with other participants visible in a blurred background.

Wide view of a panel discussion at Rutgers Health School of Dental Medicine, with four panelists seated behind a red Rutgers-branded table and speaking into microphones in a conference room.

Panel discussion in progress, with one panelist speaking and others listening, viewed over the shoulders of audience members in the foreground.

Audience members seated at tables during a professional event, listening attentively to speakers; beverages and plates are visible on the tables.

Audience members seated in rows, facing forward and listening to a panel discussion, with several attendees wearing professional or clinical attire.

Attendee in blue clinical attire speaking during a discussion, with another participant seated nearby listening while resting their head on their hand.

Close-up of an attendee wearing blue medical scrubs seated at a table, listening attentively during a group event, with other attendees blurred in the background.

Panel speaker holding a microphone and gesturing while speaking, seated next to two other panelists at a Rutgers Health School of Dental Medicine event.

Wide view of a mentorship event room with attendees seated at round tables covered in red tablecloths, listening to a panel discussion at the front of the room.

Attendee seated at a table raises one hand to ask a question during a group discussion, while others sit and listen in the background.

Close-up of an attendee seated at a table, turning slightly toward the speaker, with other participants and refreshments visible in the background.

Person in blue scrubs stands at a table and speaks with hands clasped, while participants sit nearby and look on.

Person with a microphone turns toward another attendee while speaking at a table, with others seated nearby listening.

Attendees seated in rows listen during an indoor session, with one person mid-gesture while speaking.

Two attendees in blue scrubs participate in discussion; one gestures while speaking and holds a phone, while others sit and listen around the table.

Attendee in blue scrubs with arms crossed listens during a seated indoor event, with round tables and other participants in the background.

Small group of participants in blue scrubs gather around a seated speaker during a discussion in a classroom.

Participant in blue scrubs stands with arms crossed while listening to a speaker in a group discussion.

Two participants stand side by side during a group activity; one looks forward while others engage in conversation nearby.

Group of attendees stand in conversation in a classroom, with several participants in scrubs engaged in discussion.

Participant wearing a headscarf and scrubs listens and speaks with another attendee during a one-on-one conversation.

Participant in a green hoodie speaks with another attendee during a networking discussion, with others nearby.

Person wearing blue scrubs, a gray zip-up sweatshirt, glasses, and large hoop earrings stands in a classroom or meeting setting, facing and listening to another participant in the foreground.

A group of participants stands around a table during a mentorship or educational session, listening to a seated speaker. Several individuals wear blue scrub pants and casual outerwear.

Participants gather around a table during a mentorship or educational event. Several individuals in scrubs and casual jackets are seated and standing while listening to a discussion. A tabletop sign is visible on the table, and large windows and additional attendees appear in the background, creating a collaborative learning environment.

Participants stand around a table during a mentorship or networking event. A person wearing scrubs and a gray jacket leans forward while listening to a seated speaker across the table. Other attendees are engaged in conversations throughout the room, with framed portraits visible on the wall in the background.

Two professionals seated at a table participate in a mentorship or networking discussion. One person wearing glasses, a dress shirt, and a tie gestures while speaking to attendees standing nearby. Another person in a light-colored suit sits beside them. Additional participants are visible around the table in an indoor meeting space.

Mentorship

RSDM Connect and Grow Mentorship Progam

RSDM 2026 Mentor Event