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Ceremony begins dental students’
careers in health care |
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The UTDB Class of 2011 and faculty recite the Dentists’
Pledge.
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As their friends and families watched proudly, 84
new dental students assumed the responsibilities of health care
professionals Saturday, Aug. 11, at
the annual White Coat Ceremony at the UT Dental Branch.
In his opening comments, H. Philip Pierpont, D.D.S., associate dean
for student and alumni affairs, told the group, “You have elected
to enter a most respected and prestigious profession. Along with that
respect and prestige come significant obligations and
responsibilities.”
Pierpont introduced Dean Catherine Flaitz, D.D.S., who welcomed the
Class of 2011 to the “platinum era" of dentistry – a time
"when the ability to transform the appearance and health of one’s
smile has never been easier, and when the links between oral health and
the overall health of patients have never been stronger.” |
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The Dental Branch is poised to discover some of
these links through strategic collaborations with our neighbors and
innovative approaches, such as salivary diagnostics,” she said.
“Although we are a growing research enterprise, we are
simply building on our real strength, which is clinical
care.”
She also spoke of the upcoming Aug. 30 ground-breaking for the new
dental school and medical center expansion project, which will provide
a first-class facility in the world’s largest medical
center.
Flaitz summarized recent technological innovations at the Dental
Branch, including an updated clinic with chair-side monitors and
electronic records, and a new, $1 million simulation center that lets
students learn the hand and motor skills necessary to treat patients
before actually seeing patients.
“But our real strength is in our faculty and staff,”
Flaitz added. “We have just added, this year, 25 full- and
part-time faculty members who are generalists and specialists, as well
as scientists.” She concluded by citing the 98 percent passing
rate the Class of 2007 achieved on their first try on the Western
Regional Examination Board for licensure.
UTDB Alumni Association President Craig Mabrito, D.D.S., spoke next,
recalling humorous moments from his days as a UT student, Class of
1973. Through the shared experiences that await them as dental
students, “many of your classmates will become friends for
life,” he said.
Susan Marblestone, president of the UTDB Parents’ Association,
briefly addressed the students, sharing information about the
organizations and the services they provide, particularly the
well-equipped student lounge. |
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W. Ken Horwitz, D.D.S.
Keynote speaker |
The keynote speaker for the White Coat Ceremony
was W. Ken Horwitz, D.D.S., of the UTDB Class of 1961. After serving
two years in the Air Force Dental Corps, Horwitz returned to Houston
for private practice. He has been chair and vice chair of two national
committees and councils responsible for setting standards for
continuing dental education, and is the recent recipient of the Master
Practitioner Award from the UTDB Alumni Association.
In his comments Saturday, Horwitz described the ethical challenges
ahead of the future dentists in the audience. “Compliance with
the principles of ethics is a moral obligation for all dentists,”
he said. He encouraged the students to give colleagues the benefit of
the doubt, but stressed that they must not turn a blind eye to the
unethical acts of others. And in the ethical treatment of patients, he
said doctors “must not compromise for wealth or ego."
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The ceremony continued with each student coming forward to be helped
into the white coat of the health care professional. Afterwards, the
students, faculty and alumni recited “The Dentist’s
Pledge.”
This year’s incoming class includes Mary
Eldiwany, daughter of Magda Eldiwany, D.D.S., associate professor of
restorative dentistry at UTDB. And new student Sarah Olim is the
daughter of Marvin Olim, D.D.S., a UTDB alumnus. Many other students
have siblings or other relatives with ties to UTDB. |
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Dental Hygiene White Coat
Ceremony
In a White Coat Ceremony of their own
Aug. 10, the 40 new dental hygiene
students at the UT Dental Branch learned the history of what is perhaps
the single most identifiable symbol of a health care
professional: the white coat.
Health care providers originally wore white coats for protection, but
over the years public perception has linked the coats with assumptions
about the people wearing them.
“Studies bear it out,” said keynote speaker Paula
O’Neill, Ph.D., associate dean for educational research and
professional development. “Patients think you’re more
experienced and professional when you’re wearing a white
coat.” |
UTDB Dental Hygiene students take the Hygienists’
Oath.
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With that understood, wearing a white coat means
“making a public promise to assume the responsibility that comes
with it,” O’Neill added.
The Interim Dental Hygiene Program Manager, Jayne McWherter, R.D.H.,
served as emcee for the White Coat Ceremony, which was sponsored by
members of the UTDB Dental Hygienists’ Alumni Association.
Helena Gallant Tripp, R.D.H., past president of the American Dental
Hygienists’ Association, also addressed the students and
encouraged them to participate in their professional
organizations.
Harold Henson, R.D.H., past president of the UTDB Alumni Association,
led the students as they took the Dental Hygiene Oath. |
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