For U of A dental students, wearing a white coat means they've entered a point in their education where they will start the clinical part of their training and become an integral part of patient-care delivery. On May 2, the 11th annual white coat ceremony was held for the second-year dental students.
"The purpose of the ceremony is to impress upon you-our future practitioners, the significance of patient care and to celebrate your commitment to the goals of professionalism, ethical practice, scientific and technical expertise, and compassionate service to others," said Dr. Paul Major, lead of the School of Dentistry. "Just as you are going through transformational change, the School of Dentistry is as well. This September you will start providing patient care in our new state-of-the-art facilities-the Edmonton Clinic."
Dr. Bernie Linke, division head of Restorative Dentistry for the School, led the charge to the students and made a comment that dental care is only one aspect. "Truly caring for your patients, involves viewing each one as a valued person that you will be able to help," he says. "They are not projects that you need to complete so you can graduate from dental school."
Bernie's charge to the dentistry class of 2014 was, "Develop excellence in your didactic and technical skills. Take those skills and become the most caring dental student you can become by exercising care for each of your patients in a truly holistic professional manner."
On behalf of class 2014, Michael Wenzel and Evgeniya Kazachenko, second year dental students, accepted this charge.
"The acceptance of our white coats truly represents the immense responsibilities that come with our fast approaching clinical education and ultimately, the patient care," said Evgeniya. "We must never forget that the newly placed weight on our shoulders is not a burden, but rather an honour that comes with being a part of a profession dedicated to the lives and well-being of others."
Congratulations class of 2014!