One of the most exciting days for dental students is the day they wear their white coat for the first time.

The White Coat Ceremony, a longstanding tradition in the UConn School of Dental Medicine, welcomes a brand-new class into the profession of dental medicine. On Friday, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and loved ones gathered in the academic rotunda to celebrate this major milestone for the 52 students in the incoming Class of 2029.

The ceremony, emceed by Dr. Eric Bernstein, associate dean for academic affairs, was full of welcomes, well wishes, and words of wisdom.

“This afternoon we formally welcome you into our school, into our community, and into the dental profession,” said Bernstein. “The White Coat Ceremony is a traditional rite of passage that health care professionals have done for many years—symbolizing the commitment of our new future practitioners to professionalism, ethical practice, and service to others.”

Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, congratulated the incoming class, reminded the students of this extraordinary achievement, and highlighted the history and meaning behind the white coat.

“I congratulate all the members of the Class of 2029, not only for choosing one of the finest and most rewarding health professions, but for choosing to start your professional career with us here at UConn,” Lepowsky said.  “You should be incredibly proud of the achievements that you’ve made on your way here. Your class represents 52 of the finest, most talented, and most accomplished students anywhere, period. Suffice it to say that for each and every member of the Class of 2029, there were more than 30 other applicants that wanted the exact seat you’re sitting in right now.”

The UConn School of Dental Medicine held its first White Coat Ceremony in 1997. 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.

“Putting on the white coat for the first time will usher in a lifetime of providing compassionate, ethical care,” Lepowsky continued. “It’s a passageway to serving humanity for the rest of your lives and an opportunity to be able to make a real difference in the lives of the individuals. I’m going to ask you to recognize the tremendous sense of social respect and authority that accompanies the white coat. Please use it as a platform to be a force for justice and fairness, particularly in light of the many challenges we face as a society. Try to be a powerful voice to advocate for equity in healthcare.”

Kathlene Gerrity, executive director of the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) welcomed students into the profession of dentistry and underscored the importance of advocacy.

“You should be an advocate and use your voice to advocate for yourself, your profession, and your patients. You should always ask questions and be able to say the hardest words in the English languages, which are, ‘I need help.’”

Gerrity continued, “This is a very difficult profession you’re going into, because people are looking to you in this white coat as the voice of authority. And sometimes you don’t want to be, or you can’t. Your peers are here to support you. That’s what organized dentistry does. That’s what your colleagues in your class do. Say those words, advocate for yourself. And advocate for the profession.”

Dr. Christine Tierney, vice president of the UConn Dental Alumni Board, received her DMD from UConn in 1986. In her remarks, Tierney reflected on her time at UConn and offered the incoming class words of wisdom.

“Today, as you embark on your journey, know that dentistry has very much to offer,” said Tierney. “Remember that the work you do will ripple far beyond individual patients. You are entering a profession that plays a vital role in public health, and your contribution will matter at every level, from chair side to the global stage. Dentistry is central to overall health, personal well-being, and therefore, the strength of the community.”

“While you are here at UConn, relationships will provide an enduring source of comradery—surround yourself with individuals who share the same drive, determination, and commitment to excellent. Always remember that every patient you have is an opportunity to practice compassion, build trust, and enhance the quality of someone’s life. This is a profound privilege.”

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, in line with the American College of Dentists’ core mission of advancing excellence, ethics, and leadership in dentistry.

“Maintaining your high professional standards, your ideals, your selflessness, and using your education, your resources, and your good moral character to guide you in the delivery of consistent, high-quality care to your patients for their health and well-being is the essence of what an ethical individual is, and that is the essence of what being leader means,” said Smith.

The student greeting was delivered by Erin Carroll, a member of the Class of 2026.

“You’ve made it,” said Carroll. “ You’ve made it to the beginning of something that will challenge you, shape you, and ultimately transform you. Today’s ceremony marks more than just a moment you receive a white coat. It marks a promise to your patients, your profession, and yourself. The next chapter of your education is not just about mastering technique or memorizing anatomy. It’s about developing clinical judgment, empathy, and ethical clarity.”

“Dental school has shaped me into the provider I am today and has taught me far more than just clinical skills. I’ve learned empathy is just as important as diagnosis. Lean on each other, celebrate the wins, and always remember why you chose as a profession in the first place. In four years, it won’t be about finishing requirements, it will be about the lives you’ve touched, the people you’ve helped, and the confident, compassionate provider you’ve become,” Carroll continued.

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. Jacqueline Duncan, assistant dean for clinical education.

There were over 1,700 applicants for the Class of 2029 during the previous admissions cycle. In the incoming class, 58% are Connecticut residents, with 37% being UConn undergraduates—known as “double Huskies.”

Kaila Lujambio, one of the double Huskies, said that the ceremony was a “full circle” moment for her.

“I’m so excited,” said Lujambio. “This is has been my dream for a really long time. In eighth grade, my future goal was to be a dentist, and to go to UConn too. It’s a very full circle moment.”

Max Mobley, a graduate of Brown University, has enjoyed his first week at UConn.

“It’s been really fun. I feel like everyone in the class is so friendly and it’s been really warm, so it’s just been a very welcoming experience.” Mobley said.

Christopher Adornato, shared a similar sentiment.

“I have loved every second of it so far, and I look forward to growing relationships with everyone,” said Adornato, a graduate of Fairfield University. “There’s only 52 of us, and I think we could become a super close-knit group. And that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

The students spent the last week getting their first taste of 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 acquainted with fellow classmates.

For Eniyah Garner, a graduate of Drew University, the White Coat Ceremony was a surreal moment.

“It feels crazy,” says Garner. “ Especially at the end when everyone is clapping for you—you take a step back and you’re like, ‘wow, I’m doing this.’ You get in, and then you’re here and you’re doing it. It’s a surreal moment.”

Watch the livestream of the 2025 UConn School of Dental Medicine White Coat Ceremony.