Transitioning Ceremony Welcomes Dentistry, Dental Hygiene Classes to Patient Care

Care. Dedication. Trust. Integrity. Respect. Compassion. Responsibility. Self- Improvement. These were some of the words emphasized by the students and speakers at the annual Transitioning Into the Profession Ceremony.

The ceremony was held at the Unity Temple on the Plaza on Friday, June 3, and welcomed the dentistry Class of 2024 and dental hygiene Class of 2023 to the clinical phase of their educational programs.

Dr. Lance Godley, interim associate dean for clinical affairs, served as the master of ceremonies, along with Dean Steven Haas, who welcomed and shared remarks with the more than 1,000 participants in attendance.

Each class also chose influential faculty members to provide keynotes. The dental hygiene class chose Professor Julie Sutton, while the dental class selected Dr. Luke Wezeman. Following the remarks, each class rose in unison to read their respective Code of Ethics. Each class member signed the Code as they crossed the stage, after being presented with a white coat for dental students or scrubs for dental hygiene students.

The ceremony reaffirmed the students’ dedication to their patients, education, each other and their profession. Family and friends witnessed their affirmation