Ann Arbor, MI — August 2, 2012 — The Dental Class of 2016 was officially welcomed to the School of Dentistry and the dental profession during the annual White Coat Ceremony at Rackham Auditorium on July 27. 

The 106 students who received white coats are an elite group representing less than five percent of the 2,168 who applied for admission.

Dean Peter Polverini welcomed the students and reminded them that when they wear the white coat “you will assume great responsibilities and there will be high expectations of you as health care providers.”

“You Earned It”

In his keynote remarks, Dr. Jeffrey Johnston (DDS 1982), president of the Michigan Dental Association, congratulated the first-year students on their achievement in gaining admission to the School of Dentistry. 

“You have been accepted into one of the finest dental schools in the world,” he said.  “Luck did not play a role in gaining admission to the University of Michigan School of Dentistry,” he said.  “You earned it.”

Johnston, an adjunct clinical assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, told students that their success will depend on being prepared each time they come to class, a willingness to learn, and questioning what they don’t understand. 

He also advised the Dental Class of 2016 to get involved in organized dentistry by joining the American Student Dental Association and, after graduation, the American Dental Association.

Also offering congratulations to the first-year dental students were Dr. Ronald Paler (DDS 1961) Regent, 9th District, International College of Dentists, and Dr. Nahid Kashani, president of the Michigan Academy of General Dentistry.

In closing remarks, Dr. Jill Bashutski, clinical assistant professor in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, advised the new dental students “you’re in for a great four years.  It won’t always be easy, but it will be fun.”

The Class of 2016

• 2,168 applicants, 108 (5%) accepted
• 63 men, 45 women
• 65 Michigan residents, 43 non-residents
• Grade Point Average: 3.56
• DAT Scores: 20 academic, 21 perceptual
• Average Age:  23
• Education:  1 PhD, 11 master’s degree, 92 bachelor’s degree, 2 with four or more years of college, 2 with three or more years of college