A dental student tutor program

This paper describes the objectives, development, and features of a student tutor program that has been in operation for ten years at Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry. The program was designed to reduce the effects of environmental stress on the dental student, to provide opportunities for the personal and professional development of the tutor, and to promote the application of certain educational principles in the learning environment. A major feature of this program is the availability of tutoring for all students who feel they can benefit from this aid, regardless of academic standing. In addition to comprehension of content, tutors address time management, study skills, organization of laboratory projects and study materials, and development of manual skills. More than 50 percent of the first- and second-year students use the program. This article also describes the benefits of the program to the student, the tutor, and the school.