GSDM Holds 2017 Predoctoral Professional Ceremony

On Friday, July 28, 2017 at 11 a.m., the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) community gathered together on the Talbot Green to take part in the 2017 Professional Ceremony where DMD 21 and DMD AS 19 students along with family and friends marked the end of their first week of orientation and one of the most significant events in their educational careers.

Dr. Joseph Calabrese DMD 91 AEGD 92, Assistant Dean of Students was first to the podium to welcome everyone to the 2017 Professional Ceremony. He noted the record consumption of cookies and cupcakes during the orientation week, drawing a laugh from the capacity audience.

Dean Jeffrey W. Hutter then delivered his opening remarks. “You are now a member of the Boston University community and will gain the benefit of an outstanding dental education; a collegial, respectful and supportive environment; and a vast network of Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine alumni,” he said. Dean Hutter was followed by Dr. Thomas J. Moore, Associate Provost of the Boston University Medical Campus and Executive Director of the Office of Human Research Affairs. Dr. Moore was speaking on behalf of Dr. Karen Antman, Provost of the Boston University Medical Campus and Dean of the Boston University School of Medicine, who was unable to attend.

Ms. Catherine Sarkis, Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Health Policy & Health Services Research, and former Assistant Dean of Admissions, then delivered the keynote address. Ms. Sarkis gave a moving speech about spending her life in and around dentistry; first as a child watching her father, Dr. Spencer N. Frankl, practice and instruct Pediatric Dentistry at GSDM, and serve as the second Dean of GSDM for 30 years, and in being married to an Endodontist, Dr. Ramzi Sarkis.

As the newly appointed Assistant Dean of Admissions, Dr. David Russell, presented the DMD Class of 2021 and DMD AS Class of 2019 to Dean Hutter. As Dr. Stephen DuLong, Associate Professor in General Dentistry, announced their names:  Dr. Joseph Calabrese;  Dr. Larry Dunham, Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs; Dr. Celeste Kong, Chair of the Department of General Dentistry; Dr. Cataldo Leone, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs; Dr. Janet Peters, Faculty Liaison for the Advanced Standing Program; and Dr. David Russell participated in the Pinning Ceremony as each student came onto the stage and was presented with their BU prin.  Dean Hutter and Associate Provost Moore then congratulated each student as they exited the stage.

After all 203 DMD and DMD AS students received their pins, Dean Hutter then led them in the recitation of the following Professional Oath.

Now being admitted to the profession of dentistry, I pledge myself to the service of humanity,

my patients, my community, and my profession.

I will use my skills to serve all in need, with openness of spirit and without bias.

The health and well being of my patients will be my first consideration.

I will hold in confidence all that my patients entrust to me.

I will not subordinate the dignity of any person to monetary, scientific, or political ends.

I recognize that I have responsibilities to my community to promote its welfare and to

speak out against injustice.

The high regard of my profession is born of society’s trust in its practitioners; I will strive to merit that trust.

I will conduct myself with the highest ethical and professional behavior in the classroom, the clinic, and in all areas of my life.

I will promote the integrity of the profession with honest and respectful relations with other health professionals.

I will strive to advance my profession by seeking new knowledge and by re-examining the idea and practices of the past.

I assume these responsibilities knowing that their fulfillment relies on my own good health.

I ask that my colleagues be attentive to my well-being, as I will be to theirs.

I will seek to improve my practice by maintaining my skills and addressing my mistakes.

I take this oath freely and upon my honor.

In closing, Dean Hutter added, “Whether you choose patient care, research, education, or health policy as a focus in your career, as a graduate of the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine you will be well prepared to meet the challenges that lie before you.”

 Following the closing remarks, the students were led out of the tent by Dean Hutter, Associate Provost Moore and the members of the Official Party.

The Marshall’s for the Ceremony were Drs. Kadambari Rawal, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry; and Tina Valades, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of General Dentistry and Past President of the GSDM Alumni Association.

The names of the DMD Class of 2021 and DMD AS Class of 2019 are listed below.

For photos from the professional ceremony please visit Flickr.