Welcoming the DDS Class of 2T6

By Rachel Boutet

“Four years from now, you will bear the ultimate responsibility for your patients. They are the reason why we will push you to become exemplars of this profession—and true ambassadors to the spirit and practice of this Faculty.”

These are the words that were spoken by interim dean Laura Tam at the recent White Coat Ceremony held at Hart House on August 31, officially welcoming the DDS Class of 2T6.

The White Coat ceremony inducts new students in the Faculty of Dentistry’s undergraduate dentistry program, signaling, as said in their oath, their intentions to “provide ethical and considerate health care, always putting the patient first.”

The ceremony also included speeches from Student Life director, Richard Rayman, Dr. Lisa Bentley, President of the Ontario Dental Association, Dr. Sandy Venditti, President of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario, and Dr. Paul Romanson, Chair of the Ontario Division of the American College of Dentists.

During his speech, Rayman, said “I ask you today, as you don your white coats for the first time, to take a second to think about the first step you will take after placing them on and realize that this is the first step on a journey that will be exciting, sometimes frustrating, but it will be the most fantastic journey you will ever take. A journey that will broaden your horizons, deepen your thinking and add vast amounts to your storehouse of knowledge. The possibilities are endless. So set your goals and standards high. Wish and wonder and hope.”

A second White Coat ceremony will be held in early 2023 for students entering IDAPP.
 
See more photos from the White Coat Ceremony 
 
Photo: White Coat Ceremony (Jeff Comber)