Abstract
The role of teachers and mentors is crucial in developing young members of the dental profession to consider an academic career. In this paper, the experience of the author, as a young postgraduate in paediatric dentistry at the Eastman Dental Center (Rochester, New York), is described when his curiosity was aroused concerning the possible causative or preventive effects of trace elements on tooth enamel. That curiosity was encouraged by Dr Basil Bibby, Director of the Eastman Dental Center, who inspired many students to conduct a research project. Further guidance instigated a change in the author's life plans, leading ultimately to a research and academic career.