“The Future of Dentistry is in Good Hands:” Annual GSDM White Coat Ceremony Celebrates DMD 26 and DMD AS 25 Classes

More than 200 GSDM DMD and DMD AS students received their white coats during the school’s 2024 White Coat Ceremony, a significant milestone that marks the half-way point in their respective dental programs and their entry into the school’s the Patient Treatment Center.  The ceremony took place on June 28 at the Metcalf Hall at the George Sherman Union on the University’s Charles River Campus. 

During his opening remarks, Dean Cataldo Leone praised the students for their accomplishments thus far, and noted that, during the second half of their respective programs, they will continue to learn advanced dental concepts and start applying their skills towards the betterment of humankind. 

“This symbolic act should not be viewed merely [as] a rite of passage,” Leone said. “Instead, its true symbolism is in acknowledging that the educational process is continual, ongoing, and lifelong. The ‘practice’ of dentistry is referred to in that way precisely because, as an art as well as a science, doing and learning are constant.”  

Dr. Joseph Calabrese, associate dean of students, told the students that the world has changed dramatically since the start of their dental school journeys. He hoped that the day’s events—a time of reflecting and celebrating— would motivate them to put their best foot forward as they begin their time working with patients.  

“Students, today marks the midpoint of your journey through dental education,” Calabrese said. “A time often referenced by that great New Jersey lyricist, Jon Bon Jovi, as ‘Woah we’re halfway there,’ or as we like to say at the Goldman School of Dental Medicine ‘Halfway to DMD.’”  

This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Brett Kessler, president-elect of the American Dental Association. Kessler said he has never stopped learning over his two decades in practice, jokingly calling himself a “D 33.” He told students to approach their first patient interactions with confidence, excitement, empathy, and an open mind.  

As dental practitioners, he said all professionals will forever be practicing new, innovative ways to provide high-quality care. Perfection is not possible— so it’s vital to remember that dentists are “imperfect beings working on imperfect beings.” 

“In this moment, the future isn’t just waiting for you. It’s waiting to be shaped by you,” Kessler said. “I can’t wait to witness how you use these instruments that not only change lives but carve out a brighter future for all. May you wear your white coats with pride. The future of dentistry is in good hands with each of you leading the way. Recognize and embrace your humanness. Remember, you’re perfectly imperfect. Do your best and remember, keep doing the next right thing.”  

Kessler got vulnerable during his remarks, sharing that he is in recovery from a substance abuse disorder. As part of his recovery journey, he vowed to live his life to the fullest and share his experiences to inspire others to prioritize wellbeing. He recommends that students don’t forget to take care of themselves before taking care of others.  

“As a dentist, there’s no greater feeling knowing you’ve changed someone’s life by easing their pain, restoring their smile, and restoring their ability to chew,” Kessler said. “Each of you possesses this unique ability to bring about positive change, both in your own lives and the lives around you.”  

After the keynote address, students walked on stage in groups of four and were “coated” by representatives from the school’s faculty and staff. Each group of students were met with cheers, clapping and even, in one case, a birthday shout-out.  

During the ceremony, several awards were presented:   

• Connor Hartley DMD 26 was awarded the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dr. William S. Kramer Award of Excellence, which is presented annually to a rising third-year dental student who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship, character, and potential promise for the advancement of dentistry and service to humanity. 

• Wandy Connolly DMD AS 25 was awarded the International College of Dentists Student Leadership Award, which recognizes a DMD Advanced Standing student for demonstrating outstanding leadership, academic accomplishment, and character that focuses on service to the community and our profession. 

• Careena Uppaluri DMD 26 was awarded the 42 North Dental Graduate Scholarship Award, which is presented annually to GSDM students thanks to 42 North Dental’s generous donation to support diversity and inclusivity at GSDM. 

• Michael Abou-Ezzi DMD 26, Emily Hoffman DMD 26, Andrew Paredes DMD 26, Jesse Rogers DMD 26, Yohana Perez Gonzalez DMD AS 25, and Jose Divo Materan DMD AS 25 were honored with the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine Spencer N. Frankl Scholarship Award, which is given annually to students who best exemplify the spirit of the school’s second dean, Dr. Spencer N. Frankl.  

By Rachel Grace Philipson