Welcome to the Profession

Students Participate in Inspiring Tradition

At Welcome to the Profession in August, 106 dental students and 24 dental hygiene students marked the official beginning of their academic journey.
The dental Class of 2023 consists of 59 women and 47 men from Texas, across the U.S., Belarus, Egypt and Yemen. The dental hygiene Class of 2021 is made up of 21 women and three men from all over Texas, the U.S. as well as Mexico, Nepal, Iran, Pakistan and Kazakhstan.
Family members and friends gathered in the Holly Auditorium to celebrate this culmination of many years of hard work to be accepted into both prestigious programs.

Dean Peter M. Loomer, B.Sc., D.D.S., Ph.D., MRCD(C), FACD, reminded the students of their application journey that began a year before with entry tests, personal statements and interviews.
“At the end of that process, we both agreed that this is the school where you want to study. We will teach you to become men and women of science and critical thinkers, and, along the way, you will become competent, caring and compassionate oral health care professionals,” he said.
During the annual event, students pursuing their Doctor of Dental Surgery donned UT Health branded white coats which represent the responsibility they will have for caring for others. The dental students recited The Dentist’s Pledge.
Students working toward attaining a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene were given UT Health branded scrubs. They recited The Dental Hygiene Oath.
