The School of Dental Sciences proudly celebrated a significant milestone as Cohort 13 received their white coats during an exclusive ceremony held in the Plaza College Commons on April 14, 2026. The white coat ceremony represents the beginning of each student’s professional journey into the field of dental healthcare, symbolizing compassion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence in patient care. Surrounded by faculty, staff, administration, family, and peers, students marked the occasion with pride and excitement as they officially transitioned into the next stage of their academic and clinical training.
The ceremony was led by Dr. Laura Sleeper, Dean of the School of Dental Sciences, who welcomed attendees and addressed the cohort with inspiring remarks about professionalism, perseverance, and the responsibility that comes with wearing the white coat. Faculty members participating in the ceremony included Dr. Jennings, Dr. Garland, Professor Vinci, and Professor Kneselac, all of whom played an important role in recognizing and supporting the students throughout this memorable event. Their presence highlighted the strong sense of mentorship and community within the School of Dental Sciences.
Staff and administration also joined in celebrating the achievement, reinforcing Plaza College’s commitment to student success and academic excellence. The atmosphere throughout the Plaza College Commons was filled with enthusiasm and encouragement as students donned their white coats for the very first time. The ceremony served as both a celebration of how far Cohort 13 has come and a reminder of the meaningful impact they will make in the future as healthcare professionals. As the students embark on this exciting chapter, the School of Dental Sciences looks forward to supporting and guiding them every step of the way.





