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QP students joined the White Coat ceremony this year

The white coats that dental care professionals wear are much more than simply protective garments. They are deeply symbolic, not only of the skills and knowledge the wearers have acquired, but of the professional approach that underpins everything they say and do.

For the 38 dentistry students and 30 dental hygiene students who participated in the White Coat ceremony on September 29, receiving their white coats marked the start of their professional studies and their commitment to professionalism. For the nine Qualifying Program (QP) students, who are trained dentists from other countries and who participated in the Dalhousie Faculty of Dentistry White Coat ceremony for the first time, the event was an opportunity to renew their vows and share a special moment with fellow students.

In her statement about professionalism, fourth-year dentistry student Abby Barton spoke about the qualities it represents: honesty, integrity, humbleness, and being accountable.  “Don’t be afraid to admit when something falls outside of the scope of your expertise and always be willing to learn from others,” she said. “Be accountable for your thoughts, words, and actions.”

Act in a manner that people can trust

Second year dental hygiene student Alicia Bond also contributed her thoughts on professionalism. “In the past year, we have had many opportunities to think about how we want the culture of the Faculty of Dentistry to be. It comes down to these traits, which are essential to being a professional: working with integrity, doing the best we can while upholding the principles of non-maleficence and beneficence, understanding and respecting that our peers may utilize different methods and hold contrasting perspectives, collaborating with a multitude of people for the common good, and embracing those around us.” It was their responsibility to act in a manner that people could trust, she said.

Speaking on behalf of the QP students, Miran Abdelmalek summarized her classmates’ thought on professionalism, saying that it meant respecting patients and putting their best interests first, working within “your field of confidence”, and being committed to learning.

“But we all agreed that professionalism is a state of mind, radiating what you really are inside. It is expressed in your everyday activity, within the practice and elsewhere,” she said.

Congratulations to all the students who received white coats and who made their commitment to learning, the compassionate and ethical treatment of patients, and professionalism in all that they do.