Peer Support Program Launched for Students

To promote student health, well-being, and success, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) has rolled out a new Peer Support Program, providing students with a dedicated network of trained peers who understand the unique challenges of dental school.

“Dental school is a big transition,” said Associate Dean for Student Affairs Janine Fredericks-Younger. “While we offer a range of support services, we know students benefit greatly from the guidance and perspective of peers who have already navigated the same challenges. We wanted to create a structured way for those experiences and insights to be shared.”

The program was developed with guidance from New Jersey Medical School’s Student Wellness team, which implemented a similar initiative. It builds upon RSDM’s existing Foresight Leader program made up of second-year students who mentor incoming students during orientation and throughout their first year. 

Now, those Foresight Leaders have taken on an expanded role as Peer Support Leaders.  After completing three hours of specialized training in peer counseling, students began providing confidential guidance and serving as a resource for students facing academic, personal, or emotional challenges. The team is also well-versed in other Rutgers resources to connect students to further assistance. 

The inaugural group includes Michael Amentrano, Kira Carr, Shiv Desai, Emily Norris, Derek Nolan, Michael Rodriguez, Madeline Sass, Kameron Saul, Sophia Vernieri, and Sunny Yeo. 

“They’re emotional coaches that are not there to tell their peers what to do but to help them to come up with their own solutions and figure dental school out,” explained Assistant Dean for Campus Life Herminio Perez. 

The benefits extend beyond the students seeking support. Peer Support Leaders are also developing skills that will serve them throughout their careers. 

“It is equipping us to be better listeners and supporters, both of which are skills that can help us become more compassionate providers,” said Peer Support Leader Yeo. 

For Peer Support Leader Rodriguez, the program formalizes what already exists in the school culture. 

“Throughout dental school, I have seen how much students rely on one another, whether it is for advice, encouragement, or simply having someone who understands what they are going through,” he said. “I think this program gives us a way to build on that and make that support more accessible to students who may need it.”