White Coat Ceremony

Big event last night marking the second year dental students' foray into the clinic. Held at the Herbst Theater downtown on McAllister across from the Civic Center Courthouse, the students officially received their white coats.* The new dean (just twelve days old, so to speak), the former dean (Dean Emeritus Dr. Arthur A. Dugoni, as of his June 06 retirement), the California Dental Association president, and the school psychologist (Dr. Peltier, whom I mentioned last September in the blog on Supportive Partners Night) all addressed the significance of the event.

Mick's class of 139--as well as about 20 International students (who are already dentists in their homelands) and about 40 hygienist students--had their names called, their coats individually donned, and their photos taken with the new dean. Although Mick chewed gum (with Xylitol for teeth cleaning purposes, I'm sure), the focus was on professionalism and its definition in terms of respecting and caring for--truly caring for--the human beings attached to the teeth they are working on.

After, when they sat down in the center of the gorgeous theater, the sea of white coats symbolizing important and committed public service, they were a moving sight. When they stood to recite their promise to serve the public, it was hard not to get a little misty-eyed. It was also hard not to get misty when looking around at all the parents, siblings, partners, and even some children (not ours, they were at the neighbors' house) who were really proud of their student and quite responsible for helping them get there. In fact, it was really sweet to meet the families of many of Mick's classmates at the reception and share in the excitement and pride.

Above is a picture of Mick with his pal Jordan West. I rode over with my pal, Kelly (Jordan's sister) but since we weren't wearing white coats nobody thought to take our picture.

*I was surprised to learn that the snazzy white coats--with school logo embroidered on one side, Dr. So-and-so on the other--are only symbolic gestures. While the students study/practice at Pacific they will always wear blue smocks. What a gyp, huh?