Bitonte College of Dentistry welcomes Class of 2030 with White Coat ceremony
The Bitonte College of Dentistry welcomed just the second class of students in its history on Aug. 21, 2026. A White Coat ceremony was held in the NEW Center Ballroom to welcome each of the 52 new students who comprise the College’s Class of 2030.
“We take great pride at NEOMED in providing a world-class education,” said President John T. Langell, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.B.A., FACS, in his welcome remarks to students and their guests. “While this is the beginning of your journey, you will soon be looked upon as transformational leaders in healthcare.”
Ronald P. Lemmo, D.D.S., a general dentist who owns a practice in Willoughby, Ohio, addressed the students as keynote speaker. He remarked on the significance of receiving the white coat as a future dentist.
“Today, as you stand ready to receive your white coats, you are not just marking the beginning of your clinical journey, you are making a profound commitment to the ethical foundation of our profession,” said Dr. Lemmo. “The white coat is more than a garment; it is a symbol of trust, responsibility and the promise to uphold the highest standards of care.”
The students then each took a turn crossing the stage to have their fresh, new white coats placed upon them by a group of second-year dentistry students. Mir Ali, Emily Rapacz, Jessica Shao and Hunter Trautmann were selected by their classmates as coaters.
Smiles and some tears of joy were seen throughout the Ballroom as each student received their coat. They then followed by reading the Professional Oaths of Dentistry, which begins by stating their commitment to a lifelong journey of learning, growth, clinical excellence and service to humanity.
“The standards you set for yourselves will help define our expectations,” said Sorin Teich, D.M.D., M.B.A., dean of the Bitonte College of Dentistry. “The way you respond to challenges will influence the students who come after you. And the way you eventually care for patients will define what it means to be a graduate of the Bitonte College of Dentistry.”
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