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WesternU College of Dental Medicine white coat ceremony: building human connection

by Rodney Tanaka

August 21, 2025

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A group of people in white coats stand in rows, holding and reading from booklets during a ceremony.
College of Dental Medicine students recited the Pledge of Commitment and the Dentist’s Pledge at their white coat ceremony Aug. 8, 2025, at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel in Pomona, California. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

As Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine students donned white coats for the first time, they were reminded that dentistry is more than just teeth, it’s about connecting with people and placing their patients’ well-being first.

CDM held its white coat ceremony on Aug. 8, 2025 at the Sheraton Fairplex Suites & Conference Center in Pomona, California. The ceremony reminds students of their responsibilities as healers and welcomes them into the profession.

A woman in a white coat stands at a podium labeled "Western University College of Dental Medicine," speaking in front of a blue curtain.
CDM alumna Sandy Ibrahim, DMD ’17, MS ’13, who is also an adjunct assistant professor, served as the keynote speaker for the CDM white coat ceremony. (Jeff Malet, WesternU)

CDM alumna and Adjunct Assistant Professor Sandy Ibrahim, DMD ’17, MS, served as the keynote speaker. Ibrahim is the founder of Dr. Sandy World Smiles, a nonprofit organization providing free dental care to underserved communities throughout Southern California and internationally.

“As you wear the white coat, consider what it represents in not just in terms of knowledge, but of human connection,” Ibrahim said. “Dentistry is more than just teeth, it’s about people, listening to their concerns, empathizing with their needs, and making them feel heard and valued. It’s about offering more than a solution to a dental issue.”

Don’t get too comfortable with your failures, Ibrahim said. Learn from them. Grow from them, but never let them define you. Failure is just a step in your journey. And as long as you keep moving forward, it only makes you stronger, she said.

“The journey to opening a practice wasn’t easy but I remind myself what truly mattered, always doing what’s right for your patients,” Ibrahim said. “It’s simple, but a profound idea. When you place your patient’s well-being first, everything else will fall into place. That principle has been the center to my approach and everything I’ve done since.”

CDM students were eager to pick up their equipment and get started with their program during Welcome Week. First-year CDM student Brian Powell said everyone, from fellow classmates to faculty, have been super friendly, and they are full of energy.

“When I interviewed here, I connected most with the faculty I interviewed with,” Powell said. “It was the most welcoming and friendly interview experience I had by far. When I came here there were great vibes. I felt the passion in the faculty and students for the profession we’re going into. It’s probably the biggest reason I picked this school.”

Seven women, dressed formally, stand in a line indoors holding white coats, likely at a white coat ceremony event.

A group of young men in dress shirts and ties stand together indoors, each holding a white coat, posing for a group photo on a patterned carpet.

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