In their matching white coats, the eager dental and dental hygiene students created a sea of uniformity. Each one, however, has his or her unique story of ambition and drive, motivation and success that puts him or her in a class all their own.

New first-year doctoral dental student Gerardo Mercado, who was joined that day by his wife, parents and sister, said the White Coat Ceremony helped him feel like he’s become part of a special “niche in the world.”

“But it really hasn’t sunk in yet, that I’m here, that I made it,” he said. “I’m ready for the challenge, and I’m always trying to remember where I came from. That keeps me grounded, and I do the best I can.”

On September 1, the 213 students who comprise this year’s incoming doctoral dental, ASPID and dental hygiene classes took part in the seventh annual White Coat Ceremony at USC’s Bovard Auditorium. Sponsored by the Century Club, the annual event marked the beginning of their careers in dentistry as incoming students, wearing for the first time their white coat—a visible symbol of the profession.

Reactions from the crowd ran the gamut from tears to laughter, hugs to smiles as proud families and friends attended in support of their new USC dentistry students.

Speakers included USCSD Dean Harold C. Slavkin, Paul M. Johnson, a Regent of the American College of Dentists, and personal perspectives from faculty members Diane Melrose and Eugene Sekiguchi.

For Timothy Saunders, USC faculty member and president of the Century Club, this event served as “a rite of passage symbolizing your induction into the oral health profession,” he said in his remarks. “The wearing of the white coat comes with the inherent sense of pride as well as responsibility.”

Hideki Ikeda, Associated Student Body president, recounted his personal memories as a dental student, the tough work, late nights and very early mornings. “Was it worth it?” he asked and answered. “Absolutely. Your hard work at USC will pay off. It will open up new doors and new opportunities…Every one of you will have a different goal. USC has a wealth of opportunity just waiting to be tapped. You get to define your dental education here.”

Mahvash Navazesh, associate dean of Academic Affairs and Student Life, asked the incoming class to make a promise. “Every day when you brush and when you floss and when you look in the mirror, ask yourself ‘did I do my best today?’ and adhere to the highest oath of ethics with your patients.”

The program ended with the students’ pledging their commitment to professionalism and responsibility. The oath recited by the incoming class acknowledges their public obligation to serve their patients with respect, integrity, kindness and sympathy.