SIU SDM White Coat Ceremony Affirms Students’ Commitment to Dentistry
The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) hosted its 21st annual White Coat Ceremony on Friday, Oct. 7.
The ceremony celebrated the first-year cohort of 49 dental students representing the Class of 2026, as well as six International Advanced Placement Program (IAPP) students comprising the Class of 2024.
Bruce Rotter, DMD, MS, SIU SDM graduate of the Class of 1982, former dean of the dental school, and recent SIUE Alumni Association Hall of Fame inductee, delivered the keynote address congratulating and advising this year’s cohort.
“You have made it, you are here at the SIU School of Dental Medicine embarking on a transformative journey toward becoming dental professionals,” Rotter said. “I urge you to work hard and work smart, practice ethical behavior, be supportive and caring, and diversify your life. Practicing these main concepts will make your educational journey a little simpler, the stress more tolerable, and will undoubtedly make your life fuller.”
SIU SDM Interim Dean Duane Douglas, DMD, MS, led the students in reciting the Professional Oath, which pledges honesty, integrity, discretion, confidentiality, inclusive treatment, service and more.
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 School of Dental Medicine first-year cohort of 49 dental students representing the Class of 2026 and six International Advanced Placement Program (IAPP) students comprising the Class of 2024 were honored during the annual White Coat Ceremony on Oct. 7.
