The Class of 2026 gathered this week for the annual White Coat Transition ceremony, a School of Dental Medicine tradition that honors the milestone of entering the clinical phase of training.

53 second-year students—guided by the four student practice leaders Drs. Susan Lieb, Isabella Paolino, Sree Raghavendra, and Pooja Bysani—wore their white coats for the second time.

“As you receive your new white coats, I ask that you take time to reflect on the same guiding principles that we spoke about 566 days ago at the first white coat ceremony—a commitment to the oral health of individuals and to society, a commitment to serve others, and a commitment to do your best to make a real difference in the lives of individuals,” said Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine.

The UConn School of Dental Medicine’s unique tradition includes two white coat ceremonies—one at the beginning of dental school, and a transition ceremony before students begin their clinical phase of training.

“We might be the only school that holds two separate and distinct white coat ceremonies,” Lepowsky said.

Dr. David Remiszewski—who completed his undergraduate degree at UConn in 2013, his D.M.D. in 2017, and his prosthodontics residency in 2020—delivered the alumni greeting.

Remiszewski shared four main principles that he learned in his journey: be bold, get comfortable being uncomfortable, be confident and prepared, and be human.

“Never stop learning, never stop asking questions,” Remiszewski concluded.

Kathlene Gerrity, executive director of the Connecticut State Dental Association (CSDA), also shared a few words with the students on behalf of the CSDA.

“I have the best job ever because I get to look at you as the future and learn from you what you want to do with your career, where you see your profession taking you, so I can make sure that barriers don’t exist.”

Dr. Eric Bernstein, associate dean for academic affairs, shared remarks on professionalism.

“Your white coat is a white coat, it is not a red cape, it does not make you a super hero, you must always have the humility to recognize that, and to know and respect the limitations of your level and training,” Bernstein said.

Associate dean for clinical affairs, Dr. Sophia Saeed, spoke about ethics and patient care.

“You will face ethical challenges everyday—some will be small and seemingly inconsequential, others will seem daunting and keep you up at night,” Saeed said. “The next few years will be the time during which your professional identity as a doctor will form, the choices you make will solidify your character as a doctor, a care provider, and a healer. If you revisit the reasons why you chose this career path, they will help ground you through difficult times.”

Dr. Donna Paoella, associate dean for admissions, recited the School’s honor code that the students first signed when they entered dental school. Dr. Sarita Arteaga, associate dean for students, finished the ceremony by reciting the professional pledge—officially kicking off the student’s transition into the clinical phase of their dental school training.

The students are looking forward to this next chapter of seeing patients.

“It’s really exciting, and it’s also a little overwhelming and surreal because we will actually be working on patients soon,” said Tima Vinca. “All this book learning becomes applicable to real patients.”

“I’m excited to start seeing patients—especially Hispanic patients,” said Luis Romero. “I look forward to treating them in English or Spanish, and helping them out.”