Association for Dental Education in Europe

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Teaching, Mentoring or Coaching? Choosing the Right Approach at the Right Time

Thursday, 27th August 2026 - 15:30 to 16:00
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Timezone: 

UTC +1

Duration: 

30 Minute

Venue: 

HALL A

Type 1: Organised, planned and delivered by the ADEE
WELLdental Empowerment Series
Session synopsis: 

Leaders and educators are often expected to support students, colleagues and teams through a wide range of challenges, yet many conversations are approached using the same style regardless of the situation.

This interactive 20-minute WELLdental Empowerment workshop explores the distinct roles of teaching, mentoring and coaching, helping Deans, senior leaders and educators recognise when each approach is most effective.

Through practical scenarios, discussion and self-reflection, participants will learn how to adapt their communication and leadership style to develop capability, encourage independent thinking, support professional growth and empower others to succeed.

Delegates will leave with a simple framework that can be applied immediately within their dental schools to enhance leadership, learning and team development.

This workshop aligns with the WELLdental philosophy of empowering individuals and teams through purposeful leadership, meaningful conversations and sustainable personal and professional growth.

Our recommended reading list
  • The Coaching Habit – A practical guide to asking better questions and developing a coaching mindset.
  • Co-Active Coaching – One of the most influential books on coaching and empowering others.
  • Mentoring 101 – A concise introduction to the principles and benefits of mentoring.
  • The Skilled Facilitator – Valuable for leaders seeking to guide learning and development through effective conversations.
  • Multipliers – Explores how leaders can amplify the intelligence, capability and confidence of those around them.
  • The Advice Trap – Particularly relevant for leaders who tend to jump into teaching or problem-solving when coaching may be more effective.
  • Developing the Leader Within You 2.0 – Useful for understanding how leadership styles influence the development of others.
Chair: 

Jackie Cooper

Partner
Cooper Transformations

Jackie Cooper is a highly regarded Cognitive Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner, boasting nearly three decades of invaluable experience within the dental industry. Starting her professional journey as a dental nurse almost 30 years ago, Jackie's innate drive for innovation propelled her into the commercial domain. Here, she dedicated her efforts to pioneering advancements in oral surgery outcomes, particularly through the implementation of cutting-edge laser technologies, which she taught and supported clinicians in utilising.

In the midst of her professional endeavours, Jackie's unwavering commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential led her to explore the transformative realms of cognitive hypnotherapy and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). Recognising the profound impact these modalities could have on enhancing lives, she made the courageous decision in 2020 to embark on a journey of requalification and specialisation.

Over the span of four years, Jackie immersed herself in rigorous study and practical training, refining her skills as a Cognitive Hypnotherapist and NLP Master Practitioner under the mentorship of esteemed professionals in the field. Her relentless dedication and steadfast pursuit of mastery culminated in her acquisition of certifications as a qualified master practitioner in both disciplines.

Today, Jackie Cooper stands as a symbol of transformation, seamlessly integrating her extensive background in dentistry with her expertise in cognitive reprogramming techniques. Operating her private practice, Jackie works closely with clients on a one-to-one basis, employing her skills to reframe old memories and alleviate unwanted trauma.

Furthermore, Jackie extends her impact through workshops covering a diverse range of topics, including trauma management, anxiety recognition, stress management, and the intricacies of the human mind. Through her unwavering dedication to personal growth and holistic well-being, Jackie continues to inspire positive change and facilitate profound transformations in the lives of those she serves.

Learning Outcomes: 

On completion delegates will: 

  • Differentiate between teaching, mentoring and coaching and understand the purpose of each.
  • Recognise situations where one approach is more effective than another.
  • Apply practical strategies to support development, performance and empowerment within dental education settings.