First-year dental students join College of Dentistry leaders outside the Dental Science Building.

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry held its White Coat Ceremony on May 9, in the Galagan Auditorium at the Dental Science Building, a ceremonial start to the four-year dental curriculum.

The event honored first-year dental students who were cloaked with their first white laboratory coats, earning privileges to see patients in the college's clinics. In Iowa's program, students provide preventive care—cleanings and exams—during their first year of dental school.

The UI is the only U.S. school that trains dentists in all specialty areas recognized by the American Dental Association. Eighty percent of Iowa dentists are alumni.

David Johnsen, dean of the college, offered remarks, and four alumni welcomed students: Kathryn Kell, president of the Iowa Section of the American College of Dentistry; Bruce Justman, president of the Iowa Section of the International College of Dentists; Steve Hedlund, of the Iowa Chapter of the Pierre Fauchard Academy; and Lewis Humbert, president of OKU dental honor society.

Peter Damiano, also a college alumnus and director of the UI Public Policy Center, gave the keynote address.