New Pre-doctoral Students Recite the Professional Oath

The newest pre-doctoral students at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) were officially welcomed into the GSDM community after reciting the Professional Oath on Friday, August 1, 2014, on the Talbot Green.

Assistant Dean of Students and Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. Joseph Calabrese opened the ceremony by welcoming the 197 new DMD 2018 and Advanced Standing 2016 students, their families, and guests. He then introduced Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter.

“Today is an important rite of passage and we welcome each and every one of you to this ceremony which marks the beginning of a new and important journey,” said Dean Hutter. “You are now a member of the Boston University community and will gain the benefit of an outstanding dental education; a collegial, respectful and supportive environment; and a vast network of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine alumni.”

He went on to note that this year’s Professional ceremony has special meaning for the students and the School as it “occurs at the beginning of a new era of digital dentistry and the Group Practices in which we will truly achieve greatness as a School of Dental Medicine and realize our vision of becoming the premier center of excellence in education, research, and patient care within the United States and throughout the world.”

Dean Hutter then introduced Dean of Boston University School of Medicine and Provost of the Medical Campus Dr. Karen H. Antman. She welcomed the students to Boston University and to the Boston University Medical Campus (BUMC) and explained the history and importance of BUMC in this community.

Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry Dr. Stephen Dulong gave the keynote address.  He told the students that this is the beginning of a new journey and that “your success is our success.” Dr. Dulong continued, “We are not just witnesses to your excitement, but share that excitement with you.” He highlighted the digital advances that have been made in the clinics, and discussed the how the pre-doctoral treatment center has been transformed with the launch of the Group Practices. He congratulated the students on choosing and being chosen by GSDM. “You were chosen,” he said, “as the best of the best out of thousands of applicants. You should feel proud.”

The podium was then handed over to Assistant Dean for Admissions and Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research Ms. Catherine Sarkis to officially present the DMD Class of 2018 and the AS class of 2016. The BU pins were presented by Dr. Calabrese, Dr. Dulong, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor in the Departments of Periodontology and Molecular & Cell Biology Dr. Cataldo Leone, Associate Professor in the Department of General Dentistry and Faculty Liaison to the Advanced Standing Program Dr. Janet Peters,  Ms. Sarkis, Provost Antman, and Dean Hutter.

After they received their pins, the students were led in the reading of the Professional Oath by Dean Hutter, in which they vow to conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner, making the wellbeing of their patients their first priority, and pledging themselves to the service of humanity, their patients, their community, and profession.

Recitation of the Professional Oath is a rite of passage. Every pre-doctoral class matriculating at GSDM and embarking on the journey of dentistry recites the Professional Oath as a symbolic entry into the GSDM community and dental profession.

Dean Hutter closed the ceremony by saying, “Whether you choose patient care, research, education, or health policy as a focus in your career, as a graduate of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine you will be well prepared to meet the challenges that lie before you.”

A barbeque hosted by Dean and Mrs. Hutter  followed the ceremony on the Talbot Green.

Photos of the ceremony and barbeque are available on Facebook and Flickr.