The Class of 2010 marked a significant milestone in their educational journey as they donned a traditional professional symbol – white coats – for the first time on Saturday, July 19, during the annual White Coat Ceremony.
With Dean Teresa Dolan presiding, the ceremony was attended by hundreds of family and friends of the 2010 class, and also faculty and staff members, and was a warm celebration of the first two years of dental school. The students were also welcomed into the professional ranks of dentistry by Dr. Steven Bogdanoff, president of the Academy of Alumni and Friends, and Dr. Ted Haeussner, president of the Florida Dental Association.
One highlight of the afternoon was an acappella rendition of the National Anthem by Jordan Smith, the 9-year-old son of dental student Kristine Smith.
Another was a speech from student Adrian Lovell. The vice president of the American Student Dental Association and treasurer of the Dental College Council read a story his mother read to him as a child, “The Lion Who Would Not Brush His Teeth,” and then compared the story to what he’s learned about professionalism and a dentist’s responsibilities.
A third crowd favorite was class of 2010 vice president Kate von Lackum’s speech. Von Lackum shared her views on professionalism, ethics, and the responsibilities that come with the trust that society places on a dentist.