Association for Dental Education in Europe

Learning together to improve oral health and quality of life

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Empowering

Why it matters in dental schools?

Empowerment means equipping every student, educator, and oral health professional team member with the confidence and voice to engage fully and meaningfully in their education and work. Hierarchical and high-pressure systems in some educational settings can unintentionally discourage initiative, self-expression, and psychological safety.

We need to change this culture by empowering people.

Empowered individuals:

  • Participate more actively in learning and teaching
  • Are more likely to ask for help or report concerns
  • Build resilience and independence
  • Grow into confident clinicians
  • Become supportive educators
By fostering empowerment, institutions unlock potential at every level—cultivating a culture where all voices are heard and valued.
Our Focus
Fostering confidence, self-efficacy, and agency in students and staff.
Resources (coming in 2026)
Webinars
  • “Impostor Syndrome in Dental Training – How to Overcome It”
  • “From Learner to Leader: Building Professional Confidence”
  • Interactive session: “Your Voice Matters – Speaking Up in Clinical Environments”
Personal Growth Videos
  • Stories of empowered change from peers and senior educators
  • Roleplay scenarios: advocating for yourself in a teaching or clinical situation
  • “What I Wish I Knew in Year One” – messages from final-year students or graduates
PDFs & Workbooks
  • Confidence-building toolkit for early-career professionals
  • Goal-setting worksheets: academic, clinical, and personal
  • Overcoming failure: Reflective worksheet for reframing setbacks
Interactive Quizzes
  • “What’s Your Empowerment Style?” – strengths-based self-awareness quiz
  • Confidence Gap Indicator (with tailored feedback and resource suggestions)
Peer-led Forums & Discussion Groups
  • Empowerment circles – moderated online discussions by region or level of experience
  • Anonymous question box for difficult situations (with monthly response video)
Video: 
EXTERNAL RESOURCES

As we develop and grow our Welldental resources you are invited to explore our partners external links: