White Coat Ceremony 2025: A Rite of Passage for Dental Students

This symbolic event marks a pivotal milestone in the educational journey of dental students as they transition from simulated learning environments to providing hands-on patient care in the college’s Dental Education Clinic.

This year’s ceremony celebrated the achievements of thirty-six year two students from the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Class of 2027 and eleven students from the International Dental Degree Program (IDDP) Class of 2026. For these students, donning the white coat is not merely a rite of passage but a profound acknowledgment of their commitment to the ethical and professional standards of the dental profession.

A cornerstone of the ceremony is the recitation of the professional code of conduct, an oath that underscores the ethical foundation of dental practice. This solemn pledge embodies each student’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and patient care.

Dr. Walter Siqueira, Dean of the College of Dentistry, emphasized the significance of this moment in the students’ educational journey. “The White Coat Ceremony is not just a celebration; it’s a recognition of the trust that society places in our profession,” he stated. “By donning the white coat, our students accept a responsibility that extends far beyond technical skill. They commit to compassionate care, lifelong learning, and the ethical principles that define our field.”

Dr. Siqueira also reflected on the unique journey ahead for each student. “Transitioning to hands-on patient care is one of the most challenging and rewarding stages of dental education. It’s where students begin to see the profound impact they can have on their patients’ lives,” he remarked. “This ceremony is a reminder of their purpose and the transformative power of their chosen profession.”

For year 2 students like Chang Ge and Lauren Williams, the White Coat Ceremony signifies a monumental step, one they have been looking forward to since the first day they entered the college.  Ge states, “it serves to remind us that we are now in the next stage of our dental education. This is where it gets real!” Williams echo’s Ge, saying, “it is exciting because we have spent so much time in pre-clinic, so the move into clinic with patients validates all of the hard work so far.”

The White Coat Ceremony is more than a milestone for students; it is a deeply meaningful moment for their parents, family and loved ones who have supported them throughout their journey. Parents such as Colleen Madden and Jennifer Derbyshire were on hand to share in the collective pride and joy of this significant step in their children’s dental education. Madden, a parent of Ryan Kuhn said that it was “exciting to witness this next step in his dental education”. For Derbyshire, a parent of Jacquline Tkachuk said she was “prepared for a flood of tears”, noting how excited she is to see Jacquline advance into seeing patients in the clinical practice.

For the parents and family members in attendance, the ceremony was a heartfelt celebration of the collective efforts, sacrifices, and unwavering support that guided their students to this significant milestone. It was a moment filled with shared pride and anticipation for the promising futures that lie ahead.

The White Coat Ceremony is a proud tradition that celebrates not only the years of dedication and hard work of these future dental professionals but also the values that will guide them throughout their careers. As the students stood together in their newly gifted white coat to recite their oath, they affirm their commitment to excellence in patient care and the integrity of the dental profession.

Family members who were unable to attend in person or watch the livestream can partake in the experience through the video recording of the event. It can be viewed at White Coat Ceremony