The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry recently held its White Coat Ceremony, a pivotal and much-anticipated moment for students in their programs. Taking place on July 20 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre in San Francisco, the event marked the beginning of their journey in providing direct patient care at the school's dental clinics.

During the ceremony, members of the DDS and IDS Class of 2026 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2025 made solemn commitments. They pledged to uphold professional integrity, show the utmost respect towards their patients, and fulfill other essential responsibilities as healthcare providers. For the first time, the ceremony included students from the Sacramento Campus, where they are studying in the newly expanded International Dental Studies program.

Since the mid-1990s, when it became the first dental school in the United States to hold this ceremony, the Dugoni School has proudly maintained the White Coat tradition.

Dr. Nader Nadershahi '94, dean and vice provost of the school, warmly welcomed the approximately 1,000 attendees, including many families and friends who gathered to support and celebrate the rising dental professionals. He shared some history of the first white coat ceremonies held in medical and dental training, introduced guest speakers and school leaders, and delivered the closing remarks.

“As an oral health care provider, others will look to you for help,” he said. “Through your unique knowledge and skills, you will be able to reduce human pain and suffering, treat disease — and ultimately help people lead healthier and happier lives. You are about to fulfill your dream of providing help to others in your community.”

Dr. Carliza A. Marcos ’92, president of the California Dental Association, and Ms. Angela Gomez ’14, president-elect of the California Dental Hygienists’ Association, delivered greetings on behalf of organized dentistry.

“I believe the network that’s created from this point on really will shape your professional path,” said Ms. Gomez. “All of the opportunities that have been impactful in my career have stemmed from the people I’ve surrounded myself with—not just family and friends, but the peers, faculty, mentors, and the patients that were served along the way. I’ve seen small conversations and interactions that turn into amazing lifelong resources. If you haven’t already noticed, the dental community is a close-knit one.”

Nick Forooghi, JD, Esq., Assistant Professor, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, spoke about the importance of ethics in the dental profession. “What makes you a complete professional is the trust your patients will place in you every time they sit in an operatory chair and placing themselves with vulnerability in your hands,” he said. “You will have a fiduciary duty to each of them, every time they come for a visit to your office.”

The white coats and pins presented during the ceremony were donated by the school’s Alumni Association and Office of Development.

Following the presentation of coats, Dr. Des Gallagher, Associate Dean for Clinical Services, led students in the recitation of the professional oath.

University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry Professional Oath

In light of all I hold sacred, in the presence of my family, friends, and teachers, I pledge to fulfill my obligations as a member of the dental profession.

My responsibility is to promote the health of the community and the persons I serve. The health of my patients will be my first commitment.

My privileges depend upon the trust of my patients. I will not violate that trust. I will respect all that is confided in me. I will do no harm.

I will honor my patients' dignity. I will be their zealous advocate, guided by their will, sensitive to their feelings, needs, and thoughts.

I respect and cherish the lives of all persons. I will not discriminate against any person in my decisions and care.

I recognize the limits of my competence. I will seek the knowledge and inspiration of my colleagues whenever my patients' needs require. I will strive to improve the knowledge and skills I profess to have.

I am responsible for contributing to an improved community. I will strive to prevent disease and to correct adverse social conditions. I will serve as both a teacher and a role model for my patients, my successors, and the public.

I am responsible for upholding my profession's integrity. I will strive to counsel those deficient in character or competence and expose those who engage in fraud or deception. I will not use my medical knowledge in any way contrary to the laws of humanity.

With this oath, I willingly assume these responsibilities.

If I honor this oath, may I be granted fulfillment and joy in my practice of the art of dentistry, respected while I live, and remembered with affection thereafter.