Welcoming the DDS Class of 2T8

By Rachel Boutet

“As you train here, and every day after that when you engage in practice, we hope you never lose sight of that need to grow and develop, to be lifelong learners, and respond to the challenges of the day.”

These are the words that were spoken by interim dean Laura Tam at the recent White Coat Ceremony held at Hart House on August 28, officially welcoming the DDS Class of 2T8.

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, Joel Rosenbloom, Dr. David Brown, President-Elect of the Ontario Dental Association, and Dr. Harinder Sandhu, President of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario.

During her speech, Tam said “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. When you put on this coat, you are making a life-long promise to accept the responsibility to collaborate with your colleagues to provide patients with the best possible care. All of us here today bear witness and honour the commitment you are making.”

A second White Coat ceremony will be held in early 2025 for students entering IDAPP.

See more photos from the White Coat Ceremony 

Photo: White Coat Ceremony (Jeff Comber)