Celebrating Dentistry’s International Students: IDAPP White Coat Ceremony
By Rachel Boutet
After multiple delays due to COVID-19 restrictions, the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) classes of 2021 and 2022 donned white coats and took their oath on April 4. The White Coat Ceremony took place at The Faculty Club and for the first time, celebrated two classes at once.
IDAPP is a special six-month preparatory program intended for graduates of non-accredited dental programs. It begins in January each year and at the completion of the program, successful students are admitted directly into DDS3.
Dhrupam Dhingra, class president of the IDAPP Class of 2022, says the ceremony signifies all his hard work has paid off.
“This will be one of the highlights of my life,” says Dhingra. “Coming to U of T has been a dream come true. It is a privilege to be a part of such an esteemed university. Not only does the White Coat ceremony indicate that all the hard work that we have put in has come to fruition, but it gives all the more motivation to be better, which is true not only for me, but I can also say this on behalf of my peers.”
Dhingra completed his dental degree in 2017 in India followed by a specialization in surgery in 2018. After graduation and working for two years while simultaneously doing residency in surgery, including cancer surgery, trauma, and implants, he moved to Canada in 2019.
“I chose the Faculty of Dentistry because of its reputation and excellence in research,” he says. “I have always been interested in research, especially when it comes to cancer research and stem cells. And so far I’ve been really happy with my experience – it’s such a collaborative environment and the faculty are extremely approachable.”
Dhingra adds that his experience at U of T compared to in India has been more clinical than theoretical, noting that it will allow him to get to know his patients really well and give him the ability to address all of their concerns.
Aniket Somani, president of the IDAPP Class of 2021, echoes Dhingra’s reasons for choosing U of T.
“When U of T comes calling, you can’t say no,” he says. “U of T is one of the best universities in the world. And Toronto itself is so diverse and multicultural. My experience so far has been nothing short of amazing.”
Somani completed his dental degree in 2013 in India and came to Canada in 2014 for dental hygiene school.
“While I was studying dental hygiene, I understood how healthcare works in Canada and that’s what made me want to go to dental school here,” he says. “I didn’t have a lot of experience as a dentist before coming here and I knew U of T would provide that for me to enhance as well as the ability to polish my skills. I also liked that U of T has a lot of outreach programs locally and internationally.”
Somani and his classmates are currently in DDS4 – their White Coat ceremony was delayed a year due to COVID-19. After more than a year at the Faculty, he says he’s felt nothing but support from his fellow peers, faculty members and instructors.
“I feel privileged to be part of this institution and to receive this education,” he says. “The White Coat ceremony gives me the satisfaction that all of my hard work has paid off. When you don that white coat, you’re showing your dedication and commitment to patients, showing them empathy and making a positive impact in the world.”
View a photo gallery of the event here.
Top Photo: Aniket Somani and Dhrupam Dhingra (Jeff Comber)