Eighty-six students from all three dental hygiene classes participated in the inaugural event in the Sindecuse Atrium that was organized by leaders from the three classes. During the program, all recited a pledge to serve their patients with honor, integrity, and compassion.

Wendy Kerschbaum addresses dental hygiene students during the School's first Advancement Ceremony. To her left, in boxes on the table, are block M pins they wear to signify their participation in the program.
Photo by Per Kjeldsen

"Today represents a significant step in your development as oral health care professionals," said Professor Wendy Kerschbaum, dental hygiene program director. "As professionals, you will realize economic and social benefits. Accompanying those benefits will be responsibilities." She said they include professional competence, discipline, guarding against conflicts of interest, and promoting access to care.

Other faculty members who spoke, including Christine Klausner, clinical assistant professor, urged students to take advantage of the opportunities for professional and personal growth.

Karen Ridley, assistant professor of dental hygiene offered insights and encouragement. "As you strive to achieve your goals, you will occasionally fall down. But when you do, get back up," she said.

Susan Pritzel, assistant professor of dental hygiene, said that although the technology used to provide quality oral health care has advanced, "the core of what we do, serving the public, is still our focus. As professionals, you're members of a select group," she continued, "and we expect you to act in a responsible way."

To symbolize their advancement, Kerschbaum gave all senior dental hygiene students a rose "as a symbol of our hope that each of you will bloom."

Seniors also received a pin, a gold block M, from Kerschbaum. Each senior then passed a similar pin to a third-year dental hygiene student who, in turn, presented a comparable pin to a second-year dental hygiene student.