A female dental student in a lab coat watches onward while standing with other students in the audience

Texas A&M University College of Dentistry held its annual White Coat Ceremony for 134 new students. Photo courtesy of Texas A&M University College of Dentistry.

A slew of new dental and dental hygiene students attending Texas A&M University College of Dentistry on Gaston Avenue recently received their wings — or rather, their white coats.

This annual White Coat Ceremony symbolizes stepping into the dental profession and the clinical phase of dental education, plus taking responsibility for patient care and a whole host of positive values. This year, 134 students received their coats, according to a press release. 

“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,” said Dr. Lily T. García, the college’s dean and Class of 1984 alumna, according to the press release. “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.” 

Now, these students will get to work on carrying out those expectations and will hopefully be successful in that. Those in the four-year dental program may graduate in 2030, while students in the bachelor’s-level dental hygiene program would be in the class of 2028, according to the press release.

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I am a North Texas native with roots in Arlington and Benbrook, and I graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2018. My previous work has centered around small towns and cities west of Fort Worth, and my byline has appeared in The Springtown Epigraph/The Tri-County Reporter, Weatherford Democrat, NewsBreak, Fort Worth Weekly and The Shorthorn. I am happy to serve in Lakewood, which I’ve heard referred to as a small town within the big city. Feel free to email me at medwards@advocatemag.com