185 Students Don White Coats as They Head to Touro Dental Health Clinics in NY and NM
For the First Time, 100 Students, Including 28 of the Advanced Standing Internationally Trained Dentists, Will Move to Brand New Patient Clinic in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Touro College of Dental Medicine (TCDM) marked the next stage of their dental education for 185 students with a jubilant White Coat Ceremony held at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College on April 3. For the Class of 2027, this year’s investiture carried even deeper significance: 100 students will be the first cohort to spend their final two years at Touro’s newly opened state-of-the-art clinical campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico, located at the Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute.
"We’re pioneers,” said student Haseeb Gazi Bahar, who is preparing for the move. “We’re going to be part of something extraordinary.”
“It’s going to be a great learning experience,” added Carina Lopez Escobar. “We’re also going to be able to help a lot of individuals—since the need for dental health is great there—and I think that’s why a lot of us are going there”
Putting on the White Coat
The White Coat Ceremony, a longstanding rite of passage in the medical and dental professions, is a symbolic transition into clinical practice.
Under the supervision of expert faculty, these TCDM students will provide reduced-cost dental care to members of the Westchester and Albuquerque communities and surrounding counties at Touro Dental Health, a state-of-the-art dental health facility.
Students were greeted by faculty, family, and friends in an event filled with invocations, speeches, and most importantly, the donning of the white coat—a universal symbol of compassionate, ethical, and skilled patient care.
Dr. Alan Kadish, President of Touro University, reflected on the power and meaning of the white coat: “What it signifies is that students who have put on the white coat have had the appropriate training to begin a therapeutic relationship with their patients,” he said. “Putting on this uniform is a manifestation of the fact that you’ve completed your training in the simulation lab, and you’re ready to serve patients.”
TCDM Dean Ronnie Myers, DDS, addressed the students with a message of pride and responsibility: “Today marks an incredible milestone in the development of you, the students of TCDM, as well as your loved ones,” he said. “You are going from the library and simulation lab to becoming clinical oral healthcare providers. In a few short weeks, you’ll take the foundation you’ve so painstakingly built and begin applying it in real patient care. This professional obligation is not to be taken lightly.”
Resilience in Dentistry and Life
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Joseph Parkinson, Executive Assistant Dean at Touro’s New Mexico campus. His message centered around resilience as an essential and learnable trait—one that underpins not only clinical success but personal growth.
“Resilience is the most important skill that determines success in dentistry and in life,” Dr. Parkinson told the crowd. “It’s not something you’re born with; it’s a skill that can be cultivated.”
“You will have tough days,” he continued. “But what defines you will not be those moments of struggle—it will be your ability to rise, learn, and move forward with even greater determination.”
Voices from the Class of 2027
“This is a big step for me,” said Lucinda Rosa, who is relocating to the Albuquerque campus. “We’re finally going to take care of patients in the community and put into practice what we’ve been taught for the last two years. I’ve never been out of New York, so this is a great opportunity.”
Tasmia Majid echoed the enthusiasm: “I’m very excited to finally put all the skills we’ve learned to use and help the people in our community.”
The ceremony also featured remarks from student leaders, faculty award presentations, and a recitation of the Dental Student Oath. Class president Michelle Weingarten spoke about the journey she and her fellow students had undertaken and singled out the TCDM’s maintenance staff for their hard work. Class vice president Daniel Abrkhaimov delivered the Preclinical Faculty of the Year Award to Shahrzad Mirafzali, DDS, and third-year student Courtney Gilmartin, the recipient of the 2026 Louis Rubins DDS Memorial Scholarship, announced that Daniella Khodzhayeva is this year’s winner.
For many, the day marked not just a celebration but a turning point.
“The day was one of ‘finality,’” said student Hannah Lin.
“Touro prepared us well,” added Kyle Kwag. “I’m ready to move forward.”
