WHO:            Dean Denis Kinane, School of Dental Medicine, Dean Afaf Meleis, School of Nursing Dean Emeritus D. Walter Cohen, School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2016, School of Dental Medicine

WHAT:          The members of Penn Dental’s incoming class will receive their white coats, a traditional rite of passage for students beginning medical educations.

WHEN:          Aug. 20, 2012
                      6 p.m.

WHERE:        Zellerbach Theatre
                      3680 Walnut St.

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine welcomes its incoming class of 121 students with its annual white coat ceremony. This event symbolically marks the start of the study of the art and science of dental medicine. Originating as a tradition in medical schools, the white coat ceremony is now a rite of passage in many dental schools nationwide, as students begin their training as clinicians.

Dean Kinane, will present opening remarks, while Dean Meleis will speak on the importance of inter-professional education and care.

Dean Emeritus Cohen will also present remarks on the white coat ceremony’s history and symbolism. Dr. Cohen, a member of the Penn undergraduate class of 1947 and graduate of the Penn Dental class of 1950, was a member of the Dental School’s faculty for many years and served as dean from 1972 to 1983.