Members of the second-year dental class at Baylor College of Dentistry received their white lab coats in a ceremony Feb. 14 at the Latino Cultural Center in downtown Dallas. The coats signify the students’ transition from the classrooms and labs into the dental clinic, where they will begin to provide care to BCD patients.

The 92 students representing the 2009 dental class were presented with special white coats embroidered with the Texas A&M Health Science Center logo and with a BCD Alumni Association lapel pin already in place.

“In the educational process of any dental school, students are given a wealth of information in the first two years,” says Dr. Nathaniel Tippit Jr. (BCD’75), BCD Alumni Association president.  “By the time they reach the beginning of the fourth semester, they have begun to grasp the premises that are foundational to oral health care and are ready to put their knowledge into practice.”

The alumni association purchased the white coats and sponsored the symbolic event, which was the first such ceremony in the 101-year history of the college.

Dr. Dean Hudson, associate dean of clinical affairs, officiated the event in which Tippit spoke on the significance of the white coat ceremony and Dr. James S. Cole (BCD ’75), BCD dean, addressed the issue of professional integrity.

“Integrity is essential in developing the relationship of trust that exists between dentist and patient,” said Cole. “The privilege of writing D.D.S. after your name carries with it the responsibility to conduct yourself with honor and veracity in all aspects of your life.”

The white coats were presented by Tippit and Dr. Pamela Moore (BCD ’96), assistant clinical professor and president-elect of the alumni association, as names were read by Dr. Jack Long (BCD ’76), associate dean of student affairs. Long also led the students in reciting “The Dentist’s Pledge.” Dr. Stephen Griffin (BCD ’85), director of clinics and assistant professor in restorative sciences, served as marshal for the students and Moira Allen, director of student affairs, also assisted in the ceremony.