The journey begins
Dr. Lily T. García, dean of Texas A&M College of Dentistry, congratulates new dental student Helen Bekele at the annual White Coat Ceremony.
One hundred thirty-five of Texas A&M College of Dentistry’s new students donned white coats today, marking their entry into the clinical phase of dental education and assuming the responsibilities associated with patient care. The white coat is a symbol of the commitment each is making to the dental profession and their pledge to provide the highest standards of oral health and patient care.
Dr. Lily T. García, dean, told the students the white coat represents “our core values of respect, excellence, leadership, loyalty, integrity, and selfless service.”
“We expect each of you, as either a dental hygienist or dentist, to guard your responsibilities in providing competent, compassionate, and skilled oral health care as your lifelong aspiration,” said García, to the students gathered at Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. “Having you wear the white coat as you enter this field of study is a reminder of the significance of your choice as you enter our profession today.”
García is an alumna of the Class of 1984. She added:
“We welcome you as colleagues into this new phase of your professional education, and we urge you to reflect with pride and gravity on the importance of wearing the white coat.”
The 30 dental hygiene students are in the college’s two-year bachelor’s program and represent the Class of 2027. The 105 dental students are in the program for four years and are the Class of 2029.
Jay Graham, vice chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, attended the ceremony, and told the students they are part of a proud legacy.
“Your dedication, your perseverance and your commitment to improving the lives of others through dentistry inspire us all,” said Graham, whose future daughter-in-law is one of the students. “You represent the very best of what it means to be part of the Texas A&M family.”
Drs. Alicia Spence, clinical assistant professor and director of recruitment and admissions, and Douglas Gould, associate dean, help dental student Nick Oster put on his white coat.
Mohammad Morsy’s mother is a dentist. However, it wasn’t until he shadowed a prosthodontist while in the early years of college that the recent graduate of The University of Texas at Austin contemplated a dental career.
“I saw the artistry involved in it…,” said Morsy, who later worked for the prosthodontist and an orthodontist but hasn’t decided on a specialty. “All four dental schools in Texas are extremely competitive, so having this blessing of being in this position right now is something I can be thankful for.”
He looks forward to working in the lab and learning new skills.
New dental hygiene students recite the Dental Hygienist’s Pledge during the White Coat Ceremony. Pictured are (right to left) Eva Hernandez, Andrea Hernandez Gonzalez, Peizi He, Caroline Hamilton and Dayna Dankis.
Jaquelyne Campos said dental hygiene offers the perfect blend of science, hands-on care, and helping people feel confident in their smiles, she said. As a new mom to a 4-month-old, she’s inspired to pursue a career that’s both meaningful and stable.
“I want to show my child that it’s possible to chase your goals, even when life is busy,” said Campos, who already has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of North Texas at Dallas. “Being able to educate patients and make a difference in their overall health is something I’m really passionate about.”
Dental hygiene student Kleesha Bevans, who has an associate degree from Dallas College, also has high aspirations as she becomes an Aggie.
“In the next two years, I hope to build strong clinical skills, connect with my patients in ways that make them feel cared for and understood, and graduate ready to make an immediate impact in my community,” she said. “I want to be a dental hygienist who not only treats but also teaches—empowering patients with the knowledge to take control of their oral health.”
Dental student Brandon Awuah tries on his white coat.
Dental student Brandon Awuah is no stranger to the Aggie world. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University recently and was drawn to dentistry because it allows him to work with his hands.
“I’m hoping to learn about patient interaction,” he said. “What’s a good way to treat patients and, ultimately, how can I give them the best oral health care?”
For Hannia Manzano Bonfil, entering a dental hygiene program fulfills a goal she’s had for years. But first, she earned a bachelor’s degree in health sciences from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, to better understand health and wellness and what achieving good health is in the United States. In addition to the dental hygiene prerequisites, Manzano Bonfil took courses in the U.S. health care system, epidemiology, drug use and abuse and community health.
She said the courses helped her understand the importance of dental hygienists as educators.
“I am overwhelmed (by) all the support and care I am receiving from staff and peers,” Manzano Bonfil said. “I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of such a profession and competitive program.”
Classes start Aug. 11. Oct. 3 marks the dental college’s 120th anniversary.