Welcome to the Profession White Coat Ceremonies celebrate future dental professionals
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry officially welcomed its newest students on July 19 with two Welcome to the Profession White Coat Ceremonies. The events celebrated the incoming Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2029, International Dentist Education Program Class of 2027 and Dental Hygiene Program Class of 2027.
Lea El Hachem, DDS, MS, FICD, assistant dean for student affairs, served as master of ceremonies and introduced each student from the three cohorts. In total, the School of Dentistry welcomed 100 Doctor of Dental Surgery students, 18 International Dentist Education Program students and 25 Dental Hygiene Program students.
Before family, friends and dental school faculty, the ceremonies marked the students’ formal entry into the profession. Faculty members presented each student with a UT Health San Antonio white coat. Students then recited the Hippocratic Oath, affirming their commitment to uphold professional integrity, show utmost respect towards their patients and fulfill their responsibilities as health care providers.
“Welcome to the profession, welcome to San Antonio and we look forward to being with you during your educational journey to make lives, and smiles, better,” said Kenneth M. Hargreaves, DDS, PhD, professor and dean of the School of Dentistry.
Magda de la Torre, RDH, MPH, director of the division of dental hygiene, addressed her new students with words of encouragement. “We are thrilled to welcome you to our dynamic program, which is committed to academic excellence, clinical skill development and compassionate patient care. The dental hygiene profession you have chosen is one of commitment and service to your patients and your community. This profession enables continuous learning and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
For first-year DDS student Jennifer Pham, the ceremony marked the beginning of a dream. “I’m excited to start the DDS program, because it means that I get to work towards my future goals and help the community,” she shared.
The following week, the celebrations continued with orientation activities, the Dental Student Organization Fair, lab check-ins and social events, including the School’s annual Welcome to Campus Dinner.
As the academic year begins, the School of Dentistry looks forward to witnessing the growth and accomplishments of these new students. Through hands-on training, classroom learning and mentorship, they will prepare to become the next generation of oral health care professionals committed to improving the lives, and smiles, of the communities they serve.