AAOP Mentorship Program

Purpose: To assist AAOP members who are new to orofacial pain by matching them with experienced providers for guidance and professional development.

Program Details

• Duration: One-year program (runs May to May annually)
• Status: Now in its third year (as of the content date)
• Participants: 17 mentee-mentor pairs in the 2021-2022 cycle

Eligibility

• Open to all AAOP members including:
  • Students
  • Residents
  • Researchers
  • Physical therapists
  • Established practitioners
• Members can choose to be a mentor, mentee, or both

Program Structure & Activities

• Monthly Contact: Each mentor-mentee pair urged to be in contact at least monthly (more frequent contact encouraged)
• Monthly Case Challenges: Different mentor/mentee pair assigned each month to share a case or article with all participants
• WhatsApp Group Chat: For all participants to share questions and topics for group discussion
• Kick-off Meeting: Held in conjunction with the annual AAOP scientific meeting (held in May)
• Conclusion Reception: At the annual scientific meeting
• Online Ice-breaker Activities: To help participants get to know each other
• Internet Forum: For all participants to share experiences
• Practical Resources: Sample cases, controversial topics, ethical dilemmas, and other practical matters to discuss

Contact Information

• Program Chair (2021): Jeffrey Goldberg DDS MS MBA
• Committee Chairperson (2021): Mary Charles B Haigler, DMD, MS (Mentorship Committee Chairperson, Fellow AAOP, Diplomate ABOP)

AAOP Central Office:

• Address: 3270 19th Street NW, Suite 109, Rochester, MN 55901
• Phone: 507-669-7801
• Email: office@aaop.org

Submission Timeline

• Applications typically accepted in spring (historically around February-May)
• Specific deadline for 2026 cycle: Check AAOP website for announcement in spring 2026

How to Apply

1. Complete the appropriate application form:
   • Application for mentors, or
   • Application for mentees, or
   • Both (if interested in dual roles)
2. Review the Mentor Participation Agreement
3. Ensure submission is received by the stated deadline (historically February 20)

Required Materials

• Completed AAOP Mentorship Program application form
• Signed Mentor Participation Agreement

After Submission

• Applicants notified of mentor/mentee pairings just before the annual AAOP meeting in May
• Zoom meeting held for all participants to receive introductions and program overview
• Program officially begins with kick-off meeting in conjunction with the annual AAOP scientific meeting in May