DH Class of 2026 recognized in white coat ceremony

UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry welcomed 30 students from the Dental Hygiene Class of 2026 to the dental profession during a special white coat ceremony held Aug. 17 in the Denton A. Cooley, MD and Ralph C. Cooley, DDS University Life Center.

Photos from the white coat ceremony can be viewed on Flickr.

Dean John A. Valenza, DDS, kicked off the ceremony by congratulating the class in his opening remarks. He went on to use statistics to inform the students of the unique and exciting place they’re in by choosing to enroll in the DH program at the School of Dentistry.

Of the 327 dental hygiene programs across the country, this is only one of 18 based inside a dental school, and Valenza reflected on the “special opportunities for learning that provides.”

Professor Robert D. Spears, PhD, associate dean for students and academic affairs, addressed the students and emphasized the importance of family during the two years of becoming a dental hygienist — both outside and inside of school.

“Think of your dental hygiene class as a family,” Spears said. “I’m encouraging all of you to take care of each other, look out for each other, and make it a great two years for you and your fellow classmates. Keep making progress towards your degree and you’re going to be surprised at how fast it goes by.”

Professor Nikola Angelov, DDS, PhD, chair of the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene, commended the students for choosing “a path that is both honorable and impactful.”

He highlighted the specific role hygienists play inside a dental practice and in patients’ lives and how sometimes their impact can be more than people might expect.  

“Being a dental hygienist requires a unique blend of qualities,” Angelov said. “You need empathy to comfort patients who may be anxious; you need precision to perform delicate procedures; you definitely need stamina to care for multiple patients, and certainly strong communication skills to connect with both patients and colleagues.”

Shawna Greer, RDH, BSDH ’16, delivered the keynote address. As a School of Dentistry alumna and current president of the Texas Dental Hygienists’ Association, she used the lessons she’s learned from her professional experience to advise the class as they begin their educational journey.

“Today, as I look upon your eager faces, I am reminded of the transformative power of the path that you’re about to take,” Greer said. “The white coat you receive today is more than just a uniform; it’s a symbol of the trust patients will place in you, the responsibility you’ll bear for their oral health, and the professionalism you’ll embody in every aspect of your career.”

Assistant Professor Raha Naderi, RDH ’09, MEd, served as the master of ceremonies and announced each student who received their white coat. Associate Professor Tulsi Patel, RDH, MSDH, escorted the students in their processional and served as coater with Assistant Professor Courtney Routh, RDH ’06, MSDH ’23.

The University of Texas at Houston Dental Hygiene Alumni Association, the Office of the Dean, the Office of Student and Academic Affairs, and the Department of Periodontics and Dental Hygiene sponsored the white coat ceremony and reception. Additional support and participation were provided by the Dental Hygiene Class of 2025, the Student Chapter of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association, and the PACE Center.