Our newest students celebrate a significant milestone in their dental school journey, proudly donning their white coats after the ceremony.Eighty-four UCSF School of Dentistry students crossed the stage at the historic Presidio Theatre on Sept. 27, 2024, during the 26th Annual White Coat Ceremony. The annual tradition symbolizes the start of the dental school journey and represents a promise by our newest students to uphold their profession with compassion and commitment. Like all previous ceremonies, it was an unforgettable evening.
The students arrived dressed to impress and joyfully stood together with their new classmates posing for photos against the scenic views of the Presidio. The warm weather and clear skies, often elusive in this area of the city, was a special treat enjoyed by all.
Joining the students were hundreds of their closest family and friends, as well as viewers tuned into the YouTube livestream. School of Dentistry Dean Michael Reddy, DMD, DMSc, began the festivities with welcome remarks, encouraging this newest students to fully embrace their time at UCSF and to understand the role their profession plays in society. “Make the most of the opportunities you have to improve oral health. Take the time to listen empathetically to patients and emphasize their overall health and well-being,” he said.
Resident alumnus Yan Kalika delivers an inspiring keynote speech, sharing his journey and insights with the next generation of dental professionals.Next, the ceremony’s keynote speaker Yan Kalika, DMD, MS, ‘01, shared a moving story about his journey to becoming a dentist, which included immigrating to America as a child to escape war in his home country of Moldova and needing to learn a new language. An International Master in chess, Dr. Kalika used the game as a theme throughout his speech.
“For me, I know that there are many more moves ahead. The same is true for each of you. Each of you will go on to achieve extraordinary things – things that you may not even be able to imagine right now. I want to tell you that the education you will receive at UCSF, and the lifelong connections you will create along the way, will be invaluable,” Dr. Kalika said.
Krubeal Negash receives his white coat from faculty coaters Dr. Jyoti “Poppy” Singh and Dr. Hebert Chan ChingThe most antcipated moment of the event - the coating ceremony – was led by members of the faculty. Kent Knoernschild, DMD, MS read the names of each student while Hebert Chan Ching, DDS, and Jyoti “Poppy” Singh, DDS, PhD, put white coats onto each recipient for the first time. Once all names were called, the group recited the traditional Clinic Induction Pledge, led by Effie Ioannidou, DMD, MDSc.
Among this class, 22 students are proud first-generation college attendees. They come from 10 different states and represent 10 countries of origin, with 50 students speaking multiple languages.
UCSF School of Dentistry is immensely proud of this incoming class and wishes each student the very best in their journey.
-by Joey Greaber
