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.
In the Mobility Intelligence Lab at OU, Bin Xu and other researchers are developing a prototype autonomous driving system that can retrofit any consumer vehicle with about $1,000 worth of hardware.
A newly funded study at the University of Oklahoma aims to increase prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening among Black men in Oklahoma, who die from prostate cancer at rates two to four times higher than other racial groups. An interactive app called Connect2Care may hold the key to early detection, which is crucial for improving survival.
The U.S. National Science Foundation has awarded OU with a roughly $2 million grant to provide scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing engineering degrees. The program is expected to support cohorts of students beginning in fall 2027.
