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A New Chapter Begins: White Coat Ceremony Celebrates Transition to Patient Care
The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry marked a major milestone in the journey of its students with the White Coat Ceremony, held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at San Francisco鈥檚 historic Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. The annual event honors dental and dental hygiene students as they transition from simulation-based learning to hands-on patient care in the school鈥檚 clinics.
This year鈥檚 ceremony celebrated members of the DDS and International Dental Studies Class of 2027 and the Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 as they received their white coats鈥攁 symbol of their commitment to professionalism, ethical practice, and compassionate care.
The White Coat Ceremony has been a proud tradition at the Dugoni School since the mid-1990s, when it became the first dental school in the nation to introduce the rite of passage.
Dr. Elisa Ch谩vez, interim dean of the Dugoni School, welcomed an audience of nearly 1,000 guests鈥攊ncluding proud family members, friends and supporters.
She also introduced guest speakers and school leaders and shared insights into the history and symbolism behind the white coat tradition in health education.
Among the honored speakers were Dr. Max Martinez, president of the California Dental Association, and Ms. Angela Gomez 鈥�14, president-elect of the California Dental Hygienists鈥� Association. Both leaders offered words of encouragement and emphasized the importance of ethics, compassion, community and involvement with the profession.
Dr. Debra Woo 鈥�86, an associate professor Associate Professor who teaches ethics and professionalism within the Integrated Clinical Sciences curriculum, spoke on the ethical responsibilities students will shoulder as they begin caring for patients.
鈥淭his White Coat Ceremony is more than a ritual鈥攊t is a rite of passage,鈥� said Dr. Woo. 鈥淚t marks your entrance into a profession founded on trust, service and integrity. You were chosen for this path not only for your accomplishments, but for your values鈥攜our compassion, curiosity and character.鈥�
The white coats and pins presented to each student were generously donated by the Dugoni School鈥檚 Alumni Association and Office of Development, continuing a legacy of support from the school鈥檚 extended professional family.
To close the ceremony, Dr. Homer Asadi 鈥�88, interim associate dean for clinical services, led the students in the recitation of the professional oath, reinforcing their shared commitment to uphold the highest standards of the dental profession.
The ceremony marked not only a symbolic passage, but also a heartfelt celebration of dedication, integrity and service鈥攁 moment that will inspire these future providers for years to come.
Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry Professional Oath
In light of all I hold sacred, in the presence of my family, friends, and teachers, I pledge to fulfill my obligations as a member of the dental profession.
My responsibility is to promote the health of the community and the persons I serve. The health of my patients will be my first commitment.
My privileges depend upon the trust of my patients. I will not violate that trust. I will respect all that is confided in me. I will do no harm.
I will honor my patients' dignity. I will be their zealous advocate, guided by their will, sensitive to their feelings, needs, and thoughts.
I respect and cherish the lives of all persons. I will not discriminate against any person in my decisions and care.
I recognize the limits of my competence. I will seek the knowledge and inspiration of my colleagues whenever my patients' needs require. I will strive to improve the knowledge and skills I profess to have.
I am responsible for contributing to an improved community. I will strive to prevent disease and to correct adverse social conditions. I will serve as both a teacher and a role model for my patients, my successors, and the public.
I am responsible for upholding my profession's integrity. I will strive to counsel those deficient in character or competence and expose those who engage in fraud or deception. I will not use my medical knowledge in any way contrary to the laws of humanity.
With this oath, I willingly assume these responsibilities.
If I honor this oath, may I be granted fulfillment and joy in my practice of the art of dentistry, respected while I live, and remembered with affection thereafter.
