More than a ceremonial tradition, the White Coat Ceremony represents the transition from dental student to patient care provider. It serves as a reminder that dentistry is built not only on clinical knowledge and technical skill, but also on compassion, professionalism and a commitment to serving others.
"The White Coat Ceremony marks an important transition in our students' professional journey," said Denise Kassebaum, DDS, MS, dean of the CU Anschutz School of Dental Medicine. "As they begin caring for patients, they will discover that dentistry is both a tremendous responsibility and a profound privilege. The experiences they have as providers will shape them for the rest of their lives."
Members of the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Class of 2030 and Advanced Standing International Student Program (ISP) Class of 2027 arrived at CU Anschutz Dental with different experiences, perspectives and goals, but many share common motivations: service, human connection and a desire to use dentistry in ways that extend beyond clinical treatment.
Serving Communities
A commitment to service is one of the strongest themes emerging from this year's white coat recipients. Many students described dentistry as a profession uniquely positioned at the intersection of healthcare, education and community engagement.
For DDS student Alyssa Feinberg, that commitment extends beyond individual patient care. Her interest in the connection between oral health and overall health continues to shape her view of the profession. "In my future career, I hope to combine dentistry, public health and research," she said.
Similarly, DDS student Ameen Ali sees dentistry as a way to give back to his community. Growing up in Aurora, Colorado, inspired his desire to make a positive impact close to home and build lasting relationships through service. "Dentistry is an amazing way to combine science, healthcare and social relationships while serving my local community," he said.
Their perspectives highlight the broad reach of the dental profession and the many ways providers can serve others through education, research, advocacy and patient care.
Building Relationships Through Care
Students also spoke about the human side of dentistry and the trust that develops between providers and patients over time.
For ISP student Sarbjot Singh, dentistry is more than clinical treatment. He values the opportunity to connect with patients, earn their trust and help them achieve better health and well-being over time. "I want to help patients improve their oral health, confidence and overall quality of life," he said.
That focus is shared by ISP student Dayanira Gonzalez Hernandez, who was drawn to dentistry after seeing her brother make a difference in his patients’ lives. "I saw a career with a special purpose: helping patients regain their smiles and confidence," she said.
Those relationships often become the foundation for something larger: helping patients navigate challenges, gain confidence and achieve long-term health goals.
A Profession with Purpose
The White Coat Ceremony also reminds students that dentistry extends beyond technical skill. The profession calls on providers to lead with integrity, support others and contribute to something larger than themselves.
DDS student Robyn Curtis hopes to support the oral health needs of Native communities while creating opportunities for future generations interested in the profession. "I want to increase access to dental care and improve overall health in Native American communities," she said. "I also want to use my dental school experience to encourage greater representation in higher education and dentistry."
ISP student Reza Razeqy is drawn to the ways dentistry can support communities and expand access to healthcare. His long-term goals reflect a commitment to service beyond daily clinical practice. "After earning my DDS, I hope to work in public health and move to a remote area where I can serve communities with limited access to oral healthcare," he said.
Their reflections offer a glimpse into the values that define both incoming classes and the principles the White Coat Ceremony is designed to celebrate.
The Journey Ahead
In the years ahead, members of the DDS Class of 2030 and ISP Class of 2027 will discover the many paths available within the profession. The white coat serves as a reminder of the trust they will earn, the relationships they will build and the patients whose lives they will touch along the way.
