The first week of dental school ends with one of the most momentous occasions in a dental student’s journey—the White Coat Ceremony.
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.
The Academic Rotunda was full of excitement as 52 new students in the Class of 2030 prepared to wear their white coats for the first time, surrounded by faculty, staff, alumni, and loved ones.
This year’s 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.
“Members of the Class of 2030 have already been with us for the last week, but this afternoon, we formally welcome them into our school, into our community, and most importantly, into the dental profession,” said Bernstein.
Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, congratulated the first-years on their accomplishments and emphasized the significance of the white coat.
“I would like to congratulate the members of the Class of 2030, for not only choosing one of the most rewarding healthcare professions, but for choosing to start your professional career with us at UConn,” said Lepowsky. “You should be exceptionally proud of the incredible achievements that you have made on your way here. Your class represents 52 of the finest, most talented, and accomplished students anywhere. Suffice it to say that for each and every member of the Class of 2030, there were almost 40 other people who wanted the exact seat you are sitting in right now.”
Lepowsky continued, “The white coat is but a symbol of humanism, ethics and professionalism. These are traits that you wear from within – all the time – not just when you have the article of clothing on.”
Lepowsky also explained the history behind the White Coat Ceremony—which he notes has become an a tradition that “signals a meaningful transformation of status from student to that of one studying to become a healthcare provider.”
The UConn School of Dental Medicine held its first White Coat Ceremony in 1997, Lepowsky noted. The School uniquely holds two ceremonies—one at the beginning of dental education, and another one during the second year of dental school as students enter the clinics.
“We may be the only school that does this – but we have good reason. It provides us with multiple opportunities to gather and reflect, together, on a collective commitment to provide our patients with the highest levels of compassionate and respectful care,” said Lepowsky.
“You are the future of the dental profession, and we could not be in better hands,” he concluded.
Kathlene Gerrity, executive director of the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA) welcomed students into the profession of dentistry, underscored the importance of relationship building and advocacy, and offered support to the new students.
“Get involved, use your voice, and learn how you can make an impact on your profession. It doesn’t start after you graduate, it starts right now,” said Gerrity.
Dr. Maria Smith, president of the CSDA and New England Section Chair for 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.
“What is important here is that you make the correct decisions and maintain high professional responsibility, standards and ideals, selflessness, and use your education and resources and your good moral character to guide you in the delivery of consistent, high quality care to your patients for their general health and well-being. That’s the essence of what an ethical individual is, and that’s the essence of what being leader is,” said Smith.
Dr. Christine Tierney, president of the UConn Dental Alumni Board, received her DMD from UConn in 1986. In her remarks, Tierney offered the incoming class words of wisdom.
“You are standing in a threshold in between the person you have been and the professional you are becoming. This threshold is not just a challenge but an invitation and a promise. It will require both grit and grace,” said Tierney.
The student greeting was delivered by Jaydon Kinuthia, a member of the Class of 2027.
“Today is not simply the day you receive your white coat, it is the beginning of the next chapter and becoming the provider you aspire to be,” said Kinuthia.
“Celebrate your achievement, and wear your white coat with pride,” he continued.
Dr. Sarita Arteaga, associate dean for students, and Dr. Donna Paolella, associate dean for admissions, facilitated the presentation of coats for each student. Dylan Hatajik, Class of 2027 and Ted Pasquette, Class of 2028, both on the Student Academic Integrity Board, 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.
The Class of 2030
There were 1,857 applications for a spot in the Class of 2030—the largest number of applicants in the School of Dental Medicine’s history. In the incoming class, 65% are Connecticut residents, with 44% being UConn undergraduates—known as “double Huskies.”
Christopher Dooley is one of the “double Huskies,” and looks forward to continuing his studies at UConn.
“I’m excited to learn and grow with this class over the next four years. Go Huskies!” he said.
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.
A first-year student already familiar with UConn Health is Nicholas Pittman. Pittman, from Maryland, attended Morehouse College in Georgia but spent two summers in Connecticut through UConn Health’s Health Career Opportunity Program (HCOP). The HCOP program provides mentoring and opportunities for students of all backgrounds, including first-generation and students underrepresented in medicine and dental medicine.
Pittman chose UConn dental after his experience in the program, noting that the strong, positive community aspect drew him back to Connecticut.
“A huge reason I chose UConn is because after doing two summers with the HCOP organization, I felt like the UConn community is really like a family and everyone is super kind and supportive,” said Pittman. “It’s one of the only schools where everyone seems happy and is enjoying their time here. As I start my journey, I am excited to connect with my class and meet new people and friends, and I super excited to start working with my hands and getting into the labs.”
Zoe Yoon, who grew up in Connecticut and attended Northeastern University in Massachusetts also chose UConn because of the strong community.
“Dental school has been a long-standing dream of mine, so finally starting is an extremely surreal and nerve-wracking experience,” said Yoon. “However, I chose UConn for the strong sense of community here, with collaboration built into the curriculum itself. I’m confident that the relationships I will make with my peers and faculty will support me throughout this journey. I can’t wait to get started!”
Watch the livestream of the Class of 2030 White Coat Ceremony here.
