A Milestone Moment: White Coat Ceremony Welcomes Future Dental Professionals

After attendees received a warm welcome from Rachel Kearney, ’05 BSDH, ’07 MS, ’24 PhD, associate dean for Pre-Doctoral Education and Student Life, Dean Carroll Ann Trotman reminded students of the significance of the moment: “Before today, your success impacted your future. From this moment on, it will also impact the patients you care for,” she said.

Distinguished guests representing the profession underscored the strong connection between the college and the broader dental community. Among them were Kelly Kneale, RDH, president of the Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association; Hal Jeter ’95 DDS, FAGD, president of the Ohio Dental Association; and Kelly Divito, ’08 BSDH, MS, RDH, then-president of the Dental Alumni Society.

As each student donned their white coat, the ceremony marked more than the start of clinical training—it signified a commitment to professionalism, compassion and
lifelong learning.