A qualitative study of coach mentoring dentists in difficulty from a mentor perspective

Introduction The General Dental Council (GDC) regulates the United Kingdom (UK) dental profession and a dentist may be mandated to attend a fitness to practise (FtP) panel. In this study, such dentists are referred to as a ‘dentist in difficulty'' (DD). Coach mentoring by a coach mentor (CM) is one of the GDC suggestions to support DDs to help them fulfil the conditions set by a FtP panel. There is little published literature on coach mentoring DDs. Aims The aims of this study were to investigate the lived experiences of CMs, including their reasons for becoming a CM and their perceptions of both the DDs and the future of coach mentoring. Methods Using a qualitative research methodology, 11 individual semi-structured interviews were undertaken with identified CMs (study participants). Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis to identify overarching themes. Results Five themes and 21 subthemes were identified. All CMs reported that they offered confidential, effective and non-judgemental support for DDs. The CMs believed in the reactionary coach mentoring they delivered but considered that a more preventive approach should also be explored. Conclusion CMs reported complex intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting the DDs and felt that coach mentoring supports DDs to develop into safe, reflective and insightful practitioners.