White coat recipients taking a group photo outside Herbst Theatre, celebrating the start of their journey at UCSF DentistryUCSF School of Dentistry held its 25th White Coat Ceremony on Wednesday, September 27, at the Herbst Theater in San Francisco’s Civic Center. One hundred Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) students received a traditional white coat to mark their entry into the dental profession.
The newest members of the student body were cheered on by a proud audience of family, friends, alumni, faculty and staff. Many more watched via YouTube livestream.
School of Dentistry Dean Michael Reddy, DMD, DMSc, encouraged the students to make the most of their time in school. “Study hard and learn as much as you can. Learning is a lifelong journey.”
Dean Reddy also welcomed the students to UCSF and to their place in the healthcare community. “There is an ongoing legacy of excellence and innovation at UCSF, and every one of you is part of this legacy now. You are the future of American health care.”
Dr. Pamela Alston delivers alumni address, sharing a heartwarming story that illustrates dentistry's role as both a health profession and a helping professionPamela Alston, DDS, MPP, FACD, a 1989 graduate from UCSF School of Dentistry, gave the Alumni Address. Dr. Alston emphasized to the students that dentists have the opportunity to do more than just provide healthcare. “When we put ourselves in the shoes of another person and feel what they feel – that is empathy. And when you treat everyone with dignity and respect and empathy, you will provide compassionate care. And in doing so, you will give patients a sense of belonging. If you can do that, you will do good and you will do well.”
Dr. Ram Vaderhobli read the names of the students and faculty members Dr. Julia Vu and Dr. Sanna Charlie helped them put on their white coats for the first time. Dr. Grant Tsuji led the white-coated students in the traditional clinic induction pledge and with that they officially began their journey into the profession of dentistry.
Dentistry student Monneca Rim coated by Julia Vu, DDS and Sanna Charlie, DDSThe incoming students have a wealth of diverse backgrounds. Twelve of them are first-generation college students. They represent eight states and thirteen countries of origin. They studied at eighty-eight different colleges and universities. Together they speak twenty-four languages. They are multi-talented with many of them having distinguished themselves through music, athletics, and community service. It is an admirable and accomplished group.
UCSF School of Dentistry wishes all students the best of luck in this academic year and beyond.
