White Coat Ceremony

About the White Coat Tradition

This annual tradition has been a great opportunity to celebrate the formal acceptance of students’ responsibilities to patients, their communities and society. This occasion is marked in health professions schools across the United States. The School of Dental Medicine established the tradition of the White Coat Ceremony with the inaugural class and will continue that tradition with the Class of 2028. During this event, each student will be receiving a white coat with his or her name and East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine embroidered on the coat.

The Class of 2028 will have the special opportunity to celebrate this milestone in their professional career with their fellow classmates, family and friends. Leaders from dental professional organizations across North Carolina representing the thousands of dentists worldwide will officially welcome these students into the profession. The ceremony also marks the first time that the class publicly reads their Class Pledge to serve the citizens of North Carolina. The pledge reflects the professional aspirations and commitments of the Class of 2028.

Alumni, friends, family and professional colleagues have been invited to support this event and provide an encouraging note to one or more of our students to receive as part of the evening’s festivities. By doing so, this class realizes the significance and excitement that others share with them as they continue their journey towards caring for patients and becoming a dentist.