Future Dentists Receive White Coats in Traditional Ceremony

On April 17, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) held its White Coat Ceremony to welcome the next generation of dentists into the health care profession.

RSDM was one of the first dental schools in the country to have this symbolic tradition, which started with the Class of 2005. Twenty-three years later, 91 student dentists in the Class of 2027 and 46 internationally educated dentists in the Class of 2026 received their coats.

The event began with welcome messages from Vice Dean Kim Fenesy and Dean Cecile A. Feldman. Donald Lapine ’97, the president of the RSDM Alumni Association and an assistant professor of Restorative Dentistry, delivered the keynote speech. “Know that the privilege of wearing a white coat is tied to a tremendous responsibility. Once worn, the coat binds you to an ethical responsibility for your patients and to the dental profession as a whole,” said Lapine. Although the route to becoming a dentist will be tough, he reminded the students that they are not alone on this path and that there are personal support systems as well as faculty, staff, and alumni network at RSDM. He also emphasized that dentistry, like all health care professions, is a teamwork. He said, “We expect you to live up to the symbolism of the white coat. Keep the purity of purpose and hold yourself to a high standard of professionalism and emblem of trust. Wear it proudly but also live your life continually earning the white coat.”

Following Lapin’s speech, Andrew Sullivan, chair of the Honor Council and the chair of the Periodontics Department, presented the 2024 Professionalism Award to Frank Perez of the Class of 2024. This award is given each year to a student who displays exemplary professional conduct.

The ceremony concluded with members of the Class of 2026 and 2027 receiving their white coats, stitched with their names along with their RSDM pins. They also took the dental oath, recited by Renee M. Arace, the president of the New Jersey Dental Association. Arace told the students, “As you wear these white coats, know that they are a reminder that you hold the power to transform lives, restore confidence, and promote oral health. Throughout all, never lose sight of why you chose this path whether it was a desire to serve others, a passion for science, or a love of the artistry of dentistry. Hold on to that spark that ignited your journey here. Let it guide you through the challenges and triumphs that lie ahead.”

A recording of the event can be found here.