Mentoring Scheme of the Aruga Program: A Tool to Enhance the Academic Performance of Dentistry Students

Objectives: This research described the Mentoring Scheme of the Aruga Program as a tool to enhance the academic performance of Dentistry students in a selected University in Caloocan City
Methods: The respondents (n = 30) were Dentistry students both pre- dental and dentistry proper, who were enrolled First Semester, School Year 2016-2017. They were also enrolled this First Semester, School Year 2017-2018. A researcher- made questionnaire was prepared to obtain relevant data. The questionnaire was validated by three (3) experts and a teacher in Dentistry. Revisions were made on the questionnaire as recommended by the experts who validated it. Before the research implementation, a pilot study was conducted in the same dental institution. The questionnaire underwent reliability testing using Cronbach alpha by the University statistician. Percentage, weighted mean, Chi-square and Pearson r were used for the statistical treatment of the independent variables.
Results: The results of the study showed that there was a significant relationship between the students’ profile and their ratings on the effectiveness of the Mentoring Scheme of the Aruga Program. Moreover, the respondents were more motivated by a mentor who had the same nationality as theirs. The results of the study also revealed that in all year levels of learning, there is a need for a mentor. There is a significant relationship between the students’ rating on the Mentoring Scheme of the Aruga Program and their academic performance.
Conclusions: The study revealed that the mentoring program could improve the academic performance of the students. Their grades improved, and they gained confidence. They became well- motivated in their studies and they could develop their skills more.