White Coat Ceremony Welcomes New Dental Hygiene and Dental Students

Held August 25 at the Mershon Center, the White Coat ceremony welcomed the college’s new students – the dental hygiene Class of 2027 and the dental Class of 2029.

Dean Carroll Ann Trotman greeted the incoming classes, saying, “The White Coat ceremony is one of our great traditions. As you don your white coats this evening, you will feel a sense of transformation. We all felt it, too, because the white coats symbolize the responsibilities and commitments that go along with being a dental professional.”

Dean Trotman was joined on stage by Ms. Kelly Kneale, President of the Ohio Dental Hygienists’ Association; Dr. Hal Jeter, President of the Ohio Dental Association; and Ms. Kelly Divito, President of Ohio State’s Dental Alumni Society.

Each presented brief remarks that welcomed the students as they embark on their journey to becoming dental professionals.

Ms. Kneale: “Today, you wear your white coat for the first time. It is not just a symbol of professionalism, but a promise. A promise to serve, to care, and to never stop learning. As you receive your white coat, know this. You are stepping into more than a career. You are stepping into a calling. And the world needs your hands, your heart, and your voice – now more than ever.”

Dr. Jeter: “I say to all of you tonight, no matter what the next years hold for you, don’t ever lose your heart. It’s your heart that helped you determine the purpose for your life. It’s your heart that will make you the dentist or dental hygienist you were created to be. We so desperately need dental professionals who will not lose their heart – not only in practice, but also in guiding the future and direction of this great profession.”

Ms. Divito: “Make the most of your time in the college. Give yourself grace to learn all you can, and lean on your professors and classmates for guidance and support. The Dental Alumni Society will be there for your college milestones, like this White Coat Ceremony, and we will be a resource for you upon graduation and beyond to support and celebrate memories together. We are cheering you on and excited for your journey. Go Buckeyes!”