Texas A&M University College of Dentistry’s new dental and dental hygiene students, 134 of them, gathered just before the start of the semester this month to receive their white coats – the symbol of joining the dental profession. The White Coat Ceremony is an annual tradition for the dental college, which opened in Dallas in 1905. 

Donning the white coats marks the students’ entry into the clinical phase of dental education and signifies their pledge to assume responsibility for patient care. It represents core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service, said Dr. Lily T. García, dean and a 1984 alumna of the dental college. 

“We expect each of you, as either a dental hygienist or dentist, to acknowledge your responsibilities in providing competent, compassionate, and high-quality oral healthcare as your lifelong aspiration,” she said. “Having you wear the white coat as you enter this field of study is a reminder of the significance of your choice as you enter our profession.” 

The new students enrolled in the four-year dental program are expected to graduate in 2030. Nearly 1,500 students applied for admission to A&M Dentistry for the first-year dental class.  

There are 30 first-year students in the bachelor’s-level dental hygiene program. They are expected to graduate in 2028.