Ann Arbor, MI — August 18, 2011 — One hundred and eight first-year dental students were officially welcomed to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and the dental profession during the School’s annual White Coat Ceremony at Rackham Auditorium on July 29.

In remarks to the 52 men and 56 women who comprise the Class of 2015, Michigan Dental Association President Connie Verhagen (DDS 1986, MS 1988) said that becoming a dental student was “not just a turning point in your education, it represents the beginning of the transition from academic student to student clinician to dentist.  As clinicians in training,” she said, you will face new challenges to overcome and skills to acquire.”

Acknowledging that wearing the white coat “is a symbol of professionalism,” Verhagen said it also signifies to patients “that you will strive to regard them with the utmost respect, treat their problems to the best of your ability, and to listen carefully.” 

She advised students about the importance of “truly listening to your patients, not just hearing them.  Of all the skills of a dentist, listening is probably the most underrated,” Verhagen said.  “It’s not enough to hear the words.  You must also listen for meaning, feelings, hidden questions, and listen to understand.”

Reflecting on her experiences as a dental student at U-M, Verhagen told dental students “your academic career will involve more than attending classes or taking exams.  You will be building character and developing professional values and ethics.  Respect and honesty,” she added, “are the two main components of professional ethics.”

Verhagen urged dental students to get involved in outreach programs, clinics, and other opportunities, not just within the dental community, but the local community.  “You can accomplish so much working with people one on one,” she said.

After receiving their white coats, the new dental students recited an oath that they will again recite when they receive their dental degree in 2015.  The oath for the D1s was written by fourth-year dental students who graduate next spring. Dr. Marilyn Woolfolk, assistant dean for student services noted, "It was great to see and feel the excitement of the new D1s, their families, and friends as the students took this symbolic first step and embraced its significance.”

The Class of 2015

• 2,148 applicants, 108 (5%) accepted
• 52 men, 56 women
• 75 Michigan residents, 33 non-residents
• Grade Point Average: 3.51
• DAT Scores: 20 academic, 21 perceptual
• Average age: 23
• Education: 1 PhD, 9 master's degrees, 93 bachelor's degrees, 3 with four or more years of college, 2 with three or more years of college

Oath of Aspiring Dentists

Upon entering the honorable ranks of the dental community, I swear to uphold the following oath:

• I will work with my peers to establish an atmosphere of honest and collegiality, thereby fostering collaborative learning.

• I will not let vanity or greed interfere with doing what is just and right.

• I will administer sound ethical judgment in the treatment of my patients.  I will always be mindful that my patient is a human being.  And with that in mind, seek the treatment options that promote my patient’s total well being.

• I will practice prevention and continue to learn the latest methods of treatment in order to give my patients the best possible care and confidence in my ability.

• I will have the courage to admit when I do not know and to defer when a better treatment has been presented.

• I believe that the practice of dentistry is a responsibility and a privilege.  I vow to exemplify the highest standards of care and excellence.

• I will, at all times, act in an ethical manner and never abuse the privileges I have been granted.  I will remember that I represent a noble class of skilled professionals and will never willingly tarnish their dignity.

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