Pay it forward. That’s how George Mantikas, DMD, lives his life, and it’s why he’s helping future dentists learn how to treat patients, both medically and personally.
A graduate of St. John’s University in New York and Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Dr. Mantikas, a Glastonbury resident, mentors students from the University of Connecticut’s School of Dental Medicine in Farmington in his office in East Hampton. There, they learn not just the ins and outs of dental medicine, but also how to manage a dental practice and how to interact with patients.
Dr. Mantikas says the mentorship program is intended to provide the students with important hands-on experience in medicine.
“I knew nothing about becoming a dentist when I first started this journey. I barely knew what a filling was, and now here I am more than 30 years later mentoring dental students.”
Under the program, four students visit his office for three separate sessions each academic year.
“It’s fun seeing them develop their knowledge and passion from beginning to end. I am inspired by what I see.”
Dr. Mantikas is a member of the American Dental Association, Connecticut State Dental Association,the American Endodontic Society, the National Society of Dental Practitioners, the Academy of General Dentists, and the Implant Society. He is also a multiple term past President of the Middlesex County Dental Society and was on staff at Middlesex Hospital for over 20 years.
His success as a dentist is not just about knowledge or oral care and hygiene, he says. As he guides students in patient care, he makes sure to stress the importance of building trust and relationships with the patients.
“When you’re doing work in someone’s mouth, it’s vital that the patient trusts you as a doctor and as a person,” says Dr. Mantikas. “I want these students to see the way patients are supposed to be treated. In the end, it comes down to what’s best for the patient.”
He says the mentor-mentee relationship not only helps bring out the best in students, it also paves the way for the field to cultivate talent across generations.
Implants, bridges, crowns, root canals and veneers are all part of the services Dr. Mantikas offers at his practice. Part of the process for the students is to learn about all of those procedures while building the patient-doctor relationship.
“Students need to figure out which part of dentistry is of most interest to them and what they believe is also best for their future patients,” says Dr. Mantikas. “This mentorship program is a fantastic way to give back to this community while guiding the future of our profession. It’s a win-win for all involved.”
Dr. George Mantikas
142 East High St., East Hampton
860-267-6666
Drmantikas.com
