One by One, the Coats Go On

By the end of the afternoon, 218 students had crossed the stage and received white coats. Half of the class will continue their training in Hawthorne, New York, and half will train at the new TCDM campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

“It’s hard to believe we’re here,” said class president Nisha Parakadavil. “It feels like just yesterday we were sitting at orientation, not really knowing what we had signed up for.”

She described the first two years as long days filled with heavy coursework, self-doubt, and perseverance.

“There were days we felt overwhelmed… when we questioned if we belonged here,” she said. “But we showed up, even when we were exhausted, even when we were unsure. And that’s why this moment matters, because this white coat is not given to us—it is earned.”

The donning of the white coat marks a student’s commitment and dedication to the profession of dentistry, and their transition from the classroom and simulation laboratory into the patient clinic setting for their final two years as dental care providers. In the clinic they put into practice all they have learned and hone their skills delivering health care services to diverse communities with integrity, compassion, and empathy.

“The white coat is, after all, a uniform,” said Touro University President Dr. Alan Kadish. “It is a representation both of the honor and the sense of responsibility that you carry.”

“You are transitioning from the library and simulation laboratory to becoming a clinical oral healthcare provider,” said Touro College of Dental Medicine Dean Ronnie Myers. “This is a giant leap that will be remembered throughout your professional career.”

“It demands precision,” he said. “But just as importantly, it demands compassion… the ability to listen, to empathize, and to connect.”

Dr. Steven Cho, a faculty member and representative of the American College of Dentists, spoke about receiving his own white coat more than 40 years ago.

“I rushed back to my dorm as soon as I could to use a landline to share my excitement with my mom and dad,” he said. “The moment didn’t belong to me alone. It rightfully belonged to them also.”

He told the students to keep that in mind as they begin clinical work.

“Always ask yourself, what is the right thing to do for this patient?” he said.

In her address, Dr. Rhonda Kaufman, associate dean for clinical affairs, spoke about the expectations that come with treating patients.

“The white coat is a promise that you will be worthy of that trust,” she said.

“Your success will be measured not only by precision, but how well you listen, how clearly you communicate, and how thoughtfully you treat each patient,” she said.

Parakadavil made a similar point in her remarks to the class.

“Long after patients forget the procedures… they will remember how we made them feel,” she said.

Then like Dr. Cho, she also spoke about the people who supported the class.

“None of us got here alone,” she said. “Behind every single person… there’s a group of people who made this moment possible.”

The ceremony included recognition of students with the following awards:

• Lou Rubins Award: Sheralyn Burke
• Acadental New York Scholarship: Sana Hajimiragha
• Acadental New Mexico Scholarship: Jenny Mai
• Burton Schecter Award: Andrew Bjorge
• Alumni Association Student Award of Distinction: Nisha Parakadavil

A preclinical faculty award was also presented to Dr. Gene Resnick.

As the ceremony continued, students crossed the stage one at a time, pausing as the coat was proudly placed on their shoulders by TCDM faculty.

“Wearing this white coat isn’t about status,” Parakadavil said. “It’s about service.”