Beginning of a Transformation: White Coat Ceremony Welcomes DMD 28 and DMD AS 27 Classes into GSDM Patient Treatment Center
Members of the Doctor of Dental Medicine Class of 2028 and the Doctor of Dental Medicine Advanced Standing Class of 2027 received their white coats during GSDM’s annual White Coat Ceremony, marking the halfway point in their respective programs and the transition to hands-on clinical practice in the school’s Patient Treatment Center.
Hundreds of family members, friends, and loved ones attended the event on Friday, June 26, which was held in the Metcalf Hall at the George Sherman Union on the University’s Charles River Campus.
In his opening remarks, Dean Cataldo Leone praised the accomplishments of the DMD Class of 2028 and the DMD AS Class of 2027. He said they have spent the first half of their programs studying and preparing in the classroom, Simulation Learning Center, libraries, exterior sites, and research laboratory, and now is the time to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
While it may seem daunting, Leone emphasized that GSDM faculty will remain a guiding presence to guide in this educational transition.
“You have learned foundational knowledge of biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences,” Leone said. “You will continue in the clinical sciences, learning advanced concepts, and applying all that you have learned for the betterment of your fellow human beings.”
Dr. Joseph Calabrese, associate dean of students, told the students to use the milestone event to reflect on the changes they’ve witnessed since beginning dental school, then channel that reflection into becoming the change they want to see in the profession.
“Students, as you take this next step, the world we live in will continue to change,” Calabrese said. “You should continue to learn from the past and, in turn, contribute to a more peaceful, kind, and loving society.”
Dr. Thomas M. Paumier, president-elect of the American Dental Association, delivered the event’s keynote speech. Paumier told students that all dental professionals should follow the guiding principles of lifelong learning, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence throughout their education and careers.
“[Today] is the beginning of your transformation into healers, professionals and leaders and trusted with the health and wellbeing of others,” Paumier said. “The white coat you received today is a symbol of knowledge, compassion, integrity, and responsibility. It is a privilege that you have earned, but also one that must be honored every day as you care for patients.”
Advancing technology is rapidly changing the dental profession; however, Paumier stressed that technology will never replace human connection. A successful dentist will lead with integrity, flexibility, and compassion, not simply master procedures, Paumier said.
“Never forget you are not treating teeth; You’re treating people with teeth,” Paumier said. “[Your] faculty will evaluate your clinical skills, but your patients will evaluate something even more important– whether they trust you, whether you listen to them, whether you treated them with dignity and compassion, and whether they believe that you genuinely care about their wellbeing. Always remember that patients won’t care what you know until they know that you care.”
Following the keynote address, students walked on stage in groups of five to be “coated” by representatives from the school’s faculty and staff. In closing, Leone addressed the crowd of loved ones, saying the students greatly benefit from the unyielding support from parents, spouses, children, relatives, and friends.
“We know that such support comes in many different forms, emotional, financial, and oftentimes by helping with childcare and/or parental care,” Leone said. “We express our deepest gratitude to all the family and friends who help our students achieve their goal of becoming dentists. We applaud all of you.”
During the ceremony, several awards were presented:
- Rena Khoury DMD 28 was awarded the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence, which is presented annually to a rising third-year dental student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship, character, and potential promise for the advancement of dentistry and service to humanity.
- Neel Doshi DMD AS 27 was awarded the International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award, which recognizes a DMD Advanced Standing student for demonstrating outstanding leadership, academic accomplishment, and character that focuses on service to the community and our profession.
- Adam Milewski DMD 28 was awarded the 42 North Dental Graduate Scholarship Award, which is given annually to a student who is in good academic standing and demonstrates significant civic engagement.
- Arnel Agas DMD 28, Islam Eleish DMD 28, Jane Kim DMD 28, Melanie Sarafian DMD 28, Nour Abu Elkhair DMD AS 27, and Piangtawan Davekos DMD AS 27 were honored with the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Spencer N. Frankl Scholarship Award, which is given annually to students who best exemplify the spirit of the school’s second dean, Dr. Spencer N. Frankl, and who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement.
Check out our White Coat Ceremony 2026 album on Flickr to see more photos.