NEWS
OKLAHOMA CITY – On July 18, the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences welcomed incoming students from the Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry during a pair of White Coat Ceremonies, celebrating the beginning of their journeys into education and service.
The OU College of Medicine made history with its largest-ever incoming class, as 169 first-year medical students officially donned their white coats. The ceremony, a meaningful rite of passage, symbolizes the students’ entrance into the profession and their commitment to compassionate, ethical care.
“The White Coat Ceremony is a solemn and powerful moment – it marks the beginning of a lifelong responsibility,” said Ian Dunn, M.D., FACS, FAANS, executive dean of the OU College of Medicine. “It signifies our students’ commitment to excellence and professionalism as they begin the serious work of becoming physicians.”
That same day, the OU College of Dentistry welcomed 66 second-year dental students into the profession with its own White Coat Ceremony. The event featured a keynote address by Brett Kessler, D.D.S., president of the American Dental Association, who emphasized the value of patient-centered care and the importance of leadership in the field.
“We are honored to guide this new class as they begin their journey toward a career in dentistry,” said Paul Mullasseril, D.D.S., M.S., dean of the OU College of Dentistry. “The White Coat Ceremony is a reminder that dental education is about more than technical skill – it’s about building trust with our patients and leading with integrity.”
Held annually, the OU College of Dentistry White Coat Ceremony signifies the transition from classroom learning to clinical training. Students receive their white coats before taking an Oath of Commitment, pledging to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and patient care.
This year’s events also reflect OU Health Sciences’ broader commitment to improving access to care and strengthening the state’s health outcomes through education. Many of the students who begin their studies here will go on to serve in communities across Oklahoma, advancing the university’s mission to address health challenges statewide.
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and health care needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
Mary Margaret Holt, dean of the University of Oklahoma Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts, has been honored with the Paseo Arts Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her leadership and contributions to Oklahoma’s arts community.
With winter weather already bringing low temperatures to the state, the Oklahoma Poison Center is urging residents to take extra precautions to avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning as they begin heating their homes for the winter season. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly when inhaled in large quantities, and it poses a heightened risk as people rely on heating devices for warmth during cold weather.
Thanks to support from the Chickasaw Nation, the University of Oklahoma College of Law has announced the continuation and expansion of the Chickasaw Nation – Henry Family Lecture Series. Under the new name, the event will continue to showcase thought-provoking discourse surrounding the rule of law.
