Dentistry students participate in transition ceremony

Dean Reinhardt, Jennifer Murray (dental Hygiene student), and Melissa Muessel. Photos by Peggy Cain.

Dental student David Porter and Dr. Teresa Johnson.

Twenty-six second-year dental students and 24 third-year dental hygiene students recently signed pledges committing themselves to a higher level of professional responsibility as they begin their clinical experiences at the UNMC College of Dentistry.

The college’s annual Clinic Transition Ceremony took place Dec. 2 at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln during which students were called up one-by-one to sign a pledge and put on the new blue coat they will wear while working with patients.

John Reinhardt, D.D.S., dean of the college, said the ceremony was a celebration of the students’ transition into patient care as well as an opportunity to stress the importance of professionalism — including appearance, ethical behavior, honesty and compassion — in caring for the needs of patients.