Columbia University College of Dental Medicine Welcomes DDS Class of 2030 at White Coat Ceremony
On August 3, 2026, Columbia Univeristy College of Dental Medicine welcomed the DDS Class of 2030 during its annual White Coat Ceremony. The 92-member class was selected from nearly 2,000 applicants and represents 22 states, three countries, and 58 colleges and universities. Students entered with an average GPA of 3.84 and an average Dental Admission Test (DAT) score of 26, placing them among the nation's most accomplished incoming dental students.
Throughout the ceremony, faculty speakers reflected on the meaning of the white coat and the responsibilities students assume as they enter the profession. Dr. Dana Wolf, vice dean for education and associate professor of dental medicine at CUMC, described the ceremony as a symbolic welcome into the profession of dentistry and encouraged students to embrace the next four years as an opportunity to grow not only in knowledge and clinical skill, but also in empathy, resilience, humility, leadership, and service. "Receiving your white coat is far more than putting on a new piece of clothing," Wolf said. "It is a visible symbol of the trust society places in healthcare professionals and of the commitment each of you is making today—to pursue excellence, to act with integrity, and to place the needs of your patients above your own."
Dean Dennis Mitchell echoed that message, reminding students that by putting on the white coat they were joining a profession with a rich legacy and an enduring responsibility. "Today, as you don the white coat, you become part of that enduring legacy," Mitchell said. "The coat is more than a symbol of professionalism. It represents the trust your future patients will place in you, your commitment to lifelong learning, and your responsibility to serve others with skill, integrity, and compassion."
Dr. Joseph McManus, senior associate dean for admissions and associate professor of dental medicine at CUMC, reflected on what the white coat would come to represent throughout students' careers. While celebrating the accomplishments that brought students to Columbia, he reminded them that the ceremony represented their entry into a profession dedicated to serving others. "The white coat is a symbol of the healing arts profession," McManus said. "Society will hold you in great esteem since you are empowered with the ability to relieve human suffering." He closed by encouraging students to carry that responsibility throughout their careers: "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you have imagined, but always, always, be worthy to wear that white coat."
Following the presentation of the white coats, Dr. Aaron G. Myers, senior associate dean for clinical affairs and associate professor of dental medicine at CUMC, led the Class of 2030 in the Oath for the Profession. Together, the students pledged to dedicate their lives to the service of humanity; place the health and well-being of their patients first; respect every patient's dignity, autonomy, and confidentiality; uphold the highest standards of professional conduct; share knowledge for the advancement of healthcare; and practice with conscience, integrity, and compassion throughout their careers.
The White Coat Ceremony also marked the Class of 2030's welcome into the College of Dental Medicine community. Dr. George E. Jenkins, senior associate dean for student affairs and assistant professor of dental medicine at CUMC, shared what he believes makes Columbia unique. Drawing on the many conversations he had with students throughout the admissions process, he described the College of Dental Medicine as "a family. One of support, understanding and collaboration," assuring the incoming class that they would have people beside them throughout their journey at CDM. As he concluded his remarks, he offered one final charge: "Academic athletes, you have made it to the show and 'It's Game Time!' "
Joining the faculty speakers were the Rev. Ian Rottenberg, PhD, dean of religious life, who delivered the invocation and benediction; Dr. Mina Kim, DDS '10, president of the Alumni Executive Committee; Dr. Steven H. Cho, chair-elect of the American College of Dentists New York Section; and Class of 2029 Orientation Chairs Rei Hemmer and Dasomie Kim.
As the newest members of the Columbia College of Dental Medicine community, the Class of 2030 now begins the journey that will prepare them to become the next generation of oral health leaders.
