White Coat Ceremony Marks Milestone for College of Dentistry Students

This year, 47 students stepped across the stage to don their white coats, marking their transition from the classroom and sim lab into the clinic, where they will begin treating patients under faculty supervision.

The ceremony welcomed 36 students from the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Class of 2028 and 11 students from the International Dental Degree Program (IDDP) Class of 2027. While their paths to this milestone are diverse, spanning Saskatchewan, Canada, and countries such as the United States, Brazil, Nigeria, and India, they now stand united in their journey to becoming oral healthcare providers.

The White Coat Ceremony is more than symbolic attire. It represents a commitment to professionalism, compassion, and ethical responsibility. A central moment of the event was the students’ recitation of the College’s Code of Professional Conduct, an oath that underscores their dedication to patient-centered care.

Reflections from the Dean

Dean of the College of Dentistry, Dr. Walter Siqueira, reminded students of the profound meaning behind the coat they received

“This ceremony is a celebration of achievement, a recognition of the countless hours of study, practice, and dedication that have brought our students to this stage,” Siqueira said. “The white coat they received today symbolizes their transition from the pre-clinic to clinical practice and patients. It is a reminder of their commitment to serve their patients with the highest standards of professionalism, compassion, and empathy.”

He emphasized that the oath the students recited was not a formality but a lifelong responsibility: “Today, as our students recite the Code of Professional Conduct, they make a formal promise to prioritize the well-being of their patients, to uphold ethical standards, and to strive for excellence in all that they do. This oath is more than words, it is a lifelong commitment to honor the trust placed in them by their patients, our community, and our country.”

Looking to the future, Siqueira noted that this year’s students will be the first to learn and provide patient care in the college’s new $24 million Dental Education Clinic, scheduled to open in December 2025. “This facility will not only make our clinic the most advanced in Canada but also one of the most cutting-edge dental education facilities in North America,” he said.

Photo: Student processional enroute to Convocation Hall 

Voices of the students

For many students, the day carried deep personal meaning.

Year 2 DMD student Joy Adeoye, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria and grew up in Saskatoon, said the ceremony was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. “I feel excited about the day because this is something I’ve dreamed about for years, since childhood, and now I’m here!” Adeoye previously earned her Bachelor of Science in Cellular, Physiological, and Pharmacological Sciences before pursuing dentistry.

For Olivia Juman, a DMD student from Aurora, Ontario, the White Coat Ceremony represents both pride and responsibility. “This is an important event symbolizing the next level of responsibility in my dentistry training,” said Juman, who completed her Honours Bachelor of Science in Life Sciences at McMaster University in 2024. “It’s an exciting part of the process, and I’m grateful to share the moment with my family.”

Rajwinder Singh, an IDDP student originally from Punjab, India, described the day as a dream fulfilled. Singh previously earned both his Bachelor and Master of Dental Surgery degrees in India and taught in dental schools before moving to Canada. “I’ve dreamed of this moment for a few years now,” he said. “I remember seeing pictures of past White Coat Ceremonies on social media and envisioning myself as a participant, it’s a dream come true.” For Singh, the presence of his daughter Keerat, who traveled from Toronto to attend, made the day even more meaningful.

Photo: IDDP student Rajwinder Singh with daughter Keerat

A family celebration

While the ceremony honors the dedication of the students, it is also a celebration for their families. Parents, partners, and loved ones filled Convocation Hall to witness the symbolic moment, their pride reflecting years of encouragement and support.

“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,” said Siqueira. “It is a heartfelt celebration of collective effort, sacrifice, and unwavering support.”

Looking ahead

As the College of Dentistry continues to grow and modernize, students are entering an environment that fosters collaboration across multiple oral healthcare disciplines. “Dentistry, like all healthcare professions, thrives on teamwork and community,” Siqueira reminded the students. “Our college is unique in Canada and North America, offering programs such as DMD, IDDP, DA, DT, and DH under one roof. The experience you will gain here in this environment of collaboration and teamwork will prepare you to become exceptional oral health care providers.”

The ceremony ended with the students wearing their coats for the first time, standing together as future dentists, bound by a common oath and a shared sense of purpose. For Adeoye, Juman, Singh, and their classmates, the moment marked not only the beginning of a new chapter in their education but also the promise of a career devoted to service, skill, and integrity.

As they move from the sim lab into the clinic, the Class of 2027 and Class of 2028 carry forward the weight of tradition, the hopes of their families, and the values of a profession built on trust. With their white coats freshly pressed and their oath freshly spoken, these 47 students embody the future of dentistry in Saskatchewan, across Canada, and beyond.