White Coat Must "Fit Your Soul" D1s Told
Photo by Call Photography
Dr. Jack Gobetti, representing the International College of Dentists, U.S.A. section, congratulates first-year dental students and reminds them of the importance of life-long learning.
One hundred five men and women were welcomed into the dental profession last fall during the School of Dentistry's annual White Coat ceremony.
In welcoming remarks at the Michigan Union, Dean Peter Polverini spoke of "the great responsibility and high expectations that go along with wearing this coat."
Keynote speaker, Dr. Steven Dater (DDS 1984), president of the Michigan Dental Association, told students, "the white coat is a symbol of integrity and ethics in our profession. It's up to each of you to maintain a high level of integrity."
Why the Dental White Coat is Different
However, Dr. James Boynton (DDS 2002, MS 2004), clinical assistant professor of dentistry in the Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry told students individuals in other professions wear similar coats.
Photo by Call Photography
Douglas Cabell receives his white coat during the annual ceremony welcoming first-year dental students into the dental profession.
Noting that his wife's hairdresser wears a white coat, Boynton described similarities and a major difference.
"Hairdressers have years of training, use potentially dangerous instruments to amputate human tissue, have the power to make people feel good about themselves, and bad results can be devastating for everyone involved. So what separates your new white coat from the white coat my wife's hairdresser wears?," he asked rhetorically.
"In a word, it's 'science.' That's what sets you apart, your scientific training," he continued.
"With your comprehensive understanding of science and research, you have powers to heal, to take away pain, to take away suffering, and to make people smile," he added.
"This white coat must not just fit your shoulders. It must fit your soul. When your white coat becomes a part of your soul, you earn the title of 'doctor'," he said.
