How Mentorship Helped Shape a Future in Dentistry
Dr. Kevin (Zhekai) Hu first learned about Eastman Institute for Oral Health while studying orthodontics at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. When Dr. Yanfang Ren – an EIOH educator highly respected in China – visited to give a lecture, Hu saw a model for the kind of clinician and educator he hoped to become.
Throughout dental and graduate school, Hu continued interacting with Dr. Ren, and his admiration only grew stronger.
“He was always very supportive of my development and has been a role model for me,” said Hu. “Not only in clinical excellence, but also in his dedication to education and helping others.”
Inspired by Dr. Ren, Hu decided to pursue advanced training in the U.S., to gain broader exposure to different dental specialties and perspectives. A residency in EIOH’s Advanced Education in General Dentistry program – where he could continue learning from his mentor – felt like a natural choice.
“Seeing his path really shaped my own goals,” said Hu. “Ultimately, I hope to follow a similar path—continuing to learn, contributing to education, and helping patients and communities in a meaningful way.”
At Eastman, Hu found more mentors who shaped his growth, including Dr. Hans Malmstrom, who introduced him to implant dentistry.
“During my first surgery, he literally guided my hands step by step—how to design the incision, place the implant, suture, and perform bone grafting,” Hu recalled. “For someone new to implants, that level of guidance was incredibly important.”
As Hu gained experience, Dr. Malmstrom gradually took a back seat, offering guidance only during as needed.
“That progression built both my confidence and independence,” said Hu. “It was a meaningful experience that didn’t just teach me implants—it taught me what it means to be an educator.”
Although Hu plans to enter private practice after graduation, research and scientific publications will continue to play a major role in his career.
In addition to publishing his own work – including a recent paper on stem cells in periodontitis – Hu has already established himself as an editor, having reviewed more than 160 scientific articles for 49 journals!
He recently served as a guest editor for two special journal issues, Innovations in Bone and Craniofacial Tissue Engineering: From Biomaterials and Mechanobiology to Clinical Applications and Decoding the Epigenetic Landscape and the Molecular Features Shaping Dental Bone Health, and also serves on the Editorial Board of BDJ Open.
How has your Eastman experience allowed you to grow?
Throughout my residency, I was able to expand beyond my orthodontic background and gain exposure to multiple disciplines. But more importantly, through working with faculty, I learned how to approach learning with humility.
I realized that no matter how much training I had before, there is always more to learn, and being humble allows me to truly improve.
I developed a lot of patience. Many of our patients have complex conditions or anxiety, and treatment often requires time, communication, and trust-building. I learned to slow down, listen more, and adjust to each patient’s needs.
What influenced me the most was seeing how dedicated the faculty are. They devote themselves to teaching and to patient care without hesitation. That really shaped how I see my own future—I want to devote myself the same way, not only to improving my clinical skills, but also to helping patients and supporting others.
This experience helped me grow not only clinically, but more importantly in my mindset as a clinician and as a person—becoming more humble, more patient, and more committed to lifelong learning and service.
Any advice for a new EIOH resident?
Stay humble and be open to learning from every experience.
You will be exposed to many areas that you may not be familiar with, and that can feel overwhelming at first. But instead of being afraid of what you don’t know, try to embrace it. Ask questions, take initiative, and don’t hesitate to seek help from faculty and co-residents.
Also, be patient—with your patients and with yourself. Growth takes time. Some procedures may not go perfectly in the beginning, but every case is a learning opportunity.
Most importantly, truly value the faculty here. They are incredibly dedicated and willing to teach. If you show commitment and effort, they will devote their time to help you improve.
If you stay humble, patient, and are willing to work hard, you will gain much more from this program than you expect.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Emma Watson – I’m a Harry Potter fan.
Would you rather spend a day without your phone or without speaking?
Probably without my phone – communication matters more.
Favorite places to eat or visit in Rochester?
Szechuan Opera – great food and a taste of home in Rochester
Other than dentist, what career would you choose?
Computer science engineer – I want to make good video games.
Your biggest fear?
Losing the opportunity to keep learning and improving.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I wish I had more time to learn even more during my time at Eastman.
Best advice you ever received?
Stay humble, stay patient, stay hungry, and stay compassionate
Hobbies or talents?
Video games and watching videos
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