SIU SDM White Coat Ceremony Marks Milestone for Aspiring Dentists
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) first-year students, along with students in the International Advanced Placement Program (IAPP) received the traditional coat of medical professionals, during the School’s 17th annual White Coat Ceremony held Friday, Oct. 6.
The first-year cohort of 51 students, and six IAPP students, took the professional oath of ethics and committed to uphold the School’s values of service, respect, integrity, compassion and competence.
“The White Coat Ceremony continues to provide a distinguished welcome to the profession,” said SIU SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD. “The ceremony conveys the importance of the respect, integrity and compassion necessary to successfully engage in the dentistry profession.”
SIU SDM alumnus Christopher Larsen, DMD ‘88, was the keynote speaker. Larsen serves on the Illinois State Dental Society Foundation Board of Directors. He practices general dentistry with his daughter and fellow SIU SDM alumnus Jennifer Worner, DMD ‘15. Larsen is a past president of the SIU SDM Alumni Council, where he continues to actively serve as a member.
He expressed to the future dentists that the degree they are working toward would help connect the dots along their life journey. It will provide prosperous and impactful opportunities. It will change their lives, and importantly, the lives of others.
Larsen offered the students a few pieces of advice, “Number one, believe in yourself. There are naysayers at every turn. Don’t list to them. Instead, listen to your heart. Second, have a vision and a goal. You should be hungry to make your mark in your community. Success is not by accident. It is planned.”
He added, “Give back. There are many people who need care. Give of your time and talents. Join your local dental society. Join the American Dental Association. Give back to your dental school.”
Ken Rawson, DMD, interim associate dean for academic affairs, led the ceremony. He introduced and celebrated biomedical and clinical sciences faculty, who will play an integral role in the professional preparedness and development of the two cohorts.
“Our dedicated faculty produce some of the finest dental practitioners in the nation and support our mission to improve the oral health of the region,” Rawson said. “Together, we abide by our professional oath, and pledge to serve humanity, patients, the community and the dental profession.”
The SIU SDM White Coat Ceremony was sponsored by the Central Illinois Academy of General Dentistry, Illinois Section of the American College of Dentists, Illinois State Dental Society Foundation and the Eighth District of the International College of Dentists.
Photo: SIU SDM Fall 2017 first-year cohort and International Advanced Placement Program students.
Christopher Larsen, DMD, a 1988 alumnus of the SIU School of Dental Medicine, served as the keynote speaker for the School’s 2017 White Coat Ceremony.
