The White Coat Ceremony is a longstanding tradition in the School of Dental Medicine that welcomes a new class of students into the profession of dental medicine. Excitement filled the Academic Rotunda as the incoming Class of 2028, made up of 51 students, participated in this tradition surrounded by faculty, staff, alumni, and loved ones.
Welcoming Words
The White Coat Ceremony, emceed by Dr. Eric Bernstein, associate dean for academic affairs, was full of welcomes and words wisdom by dental school faculty, alumni, and members of the dental community.
Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, welcomed the students into the UConn family.
“I congratulate the members of the Class of 2028, for not only choosing one of the finest and most rewarding health professions, but for choosing to start your professional career with us,” Lepowsky said. “Your class represents 51 of the finest, most talented, and accomplished students anywhere—period.”
Lepowsky also explained the significance of the White Coat Ceremony—which has become an “academic ritual in the health professions, a tradition that signals a transformation of status from ordinary student to that one of studying to become a health professional.”
The UConn School of Dental Medicine held its first White Coat Ceremony in 1997, Lepowsky noted. The School uniquely holds two White Coat Ceremonies—one at the beginning of dental education, and another one during the second year of dental school as students enter the clinics.
“The white coat is a symbol of professionalism, integrity, and high ethical standards. It is a uniform that conveys responsibility and trust, trust that your patients will place in you. It is your obligation to earn their trust by committing to never stop learning, never stop listening, and never stop growing,” said Lepowsky.
Dr. Steven Hall, president of the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), is a clinical instructor at the School of Dental Medicine and an alumnus. In his remarks, Hall congratulated the students on this milestone and emphasized the importance of community.
“You guys are really the cream of the crop,” Hall said. “UConn is fortunate to pull from such an amazing group of students.”
Hall told the students that they have a lifetime of education ahead of them.
“Welcome to the community of dentists,” Hall continued. “In your community here at UConn, support each other, push each other to be the very best.”
In addition to serving in the CSDA and being a clinical instructor at the School of Dental Medicine, Hall is in private practice in Farmington.
Dr. Cynara McPhail, vice president of the UConn Dental Alumni Board, received her DMD from UConn in 1984. In her remarks, McPhail fondly recalled her time at UConn.
“I realized this is exactly where I should be,” McPhail said about her experience as a student at UConn School of Dental Medicine.
“Since then, this school has only improved with the latest technology, renovated clinics, new simulation centers, improved in-house prosthetic labs, new study rooms, increased experience in the clinics, outstanding staff of educations, many research opportunities, and an alumni board that’s here to help you,” said McPhail.
“The next few years will go quickly, but also remember to be organized, be prepared, be resilient, but also have a lot of fun—it can be stressful. Wherever you go, always remember it started right here at UConn Health,” McPhail concluded.
McPhail noted that School of Dental Medicine alumni left a note in each white coat that includes contact information and words of encouragement for the students. McPhail currently practices dentistry in Wallingford.
Dr. Maria Smith, the New England section chair at the American College of Dentists, congratulated the students on their milestone and discussed the importance of making the right decisions–underscoring the American College of Dentists’ core mission of advancing excellence, ethics, and leadership in dentistry.
“What is important here is that you make the correct decision, maintaining high professional responsibility, standards and ideals, selflessness, and using your education and resources and your good moral character to guide you in the delivery of consistent, high quality care for your patients for their health and well-being,” Smith remarked. “That is the essence of what an ethical individual is.”
The student greeting was delivered by Michael Truhlar, a member of the Class of 2025, to round out the speaking portion of the program.
“You’re about to take a momentous step in your career. Your hard work and dedication has brought you to this exact moment,” said Truhlar.
“Once you don this white coat, patients will look to you for informed, unbiased advice. This responsibility may seem like a heavy load to bear right now—but know this. Everything in your dental school curriculum has been designed to prepare you to uphold this responsibility. If there are times where this all feels like too much, know that you are capable, and you deserve to be here. Each of you was chosen to be here for a reason,” Truhlar continued.
The Class of 2028
There were over 1,500 applicants for the Class of 2028 during the previous admissions cycle. In the incoming class, 61% are Connecticut residents, with 39% being UConn undergraduates—known as “double Huskies.”
One of those double Huskies, Ananya Aggarwal of Glastonbury, Connecticut graduated from UConn, where she was part of the pre-dental society. After spending the past several years volunteering and shadowing, Ananya is looking forward to this next step in her journey.
“I feel like I’ve been studying and shadowing and watching people serve people through dentistry for so long. I’m so excited to actually learn how to do it and treat patients,” Ananya said.
Vatsa Sheth of Southington, Connecticut is hoping to achieve a good balance between having fun and working hard over the next four years. Sheth also graduated from UConn.
“I’m looking forward to working with everyone, becoming collaborative, and just trying to mingle and have fun while also working really hard.”’
Omar Afifi, a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross, has been enjoying his first week experiencing dental school.
The students have been busy spending the last week getting acquainted with dental school during orientation and launch— which includes over two weeks of introductory courses with School of Medicine students and social events to help get familiar with fellow classmates.
“It’s been both a lot of fun, and a lot of learning,” Afifi said. “I think it’s going to prepare us really well for the curriculum.”
A New Chapter Begins
During the ceremony, Dr. Sarita Arteaga, associate dean for students, and Dr. Donna Paolella, associate dean for admissions, facilitated the presentation of coats for each student. Dr. Aditya Tadinada, associate dean for graduate research and education, presented each student with the Honor Code Affirmation and Code of Ethics booklet.
After the students received their coats, the students recited The Dentist’s Pledge, led by Dr. Rajesh Lalla, associate dean for research.
The ceremony ended with a visit from University mascot Jonathan XIV, who traveled from Storrs to mark the occasion with the incoming class.
The live stream of the ceremony can be replayed at the following link: https://uconnhealth.mediasite.com/Mediasite/Play/299ddbc8f3c648ffa1348dadfdbe9ed31d
