Pinning ceremony marks transition to final year for dental students
Third-year dental students are 16 months away from graduating
A milestone moment unfolded at the OHSU School of Dentistry on Feb. 3 as third-year dental students received special lapel pins, marking their journey toward earning a doctorate in dental medicine.
“Graduation is one year, four months and about six days from now. Time will go fast,” said School of Dentistry Dean Ron Sakaguchi, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., M.B.A., as students sat in a lecture hall cloaked in white clinic coats.
“We don’t want to wait until graduation to celebrate your accomplishments. You are doing great work mentoring, tutoring and volunteering for community organizations. Thank you.”
The students appreciated the moment of reflection.
“The school has provided incredible support, from dedicated faculty to the strong sense of community among my peers,” said third-year student Angela Hung. “I’m grateful for the experiences and mentorship that have shaped me along the way.”
Halfway point
Senior Associate Dean Gary Stafford, D.M.D., emphasized the significance of their commitment to the profession’s ethical standards.
“At roughly the halfway point between your white coat ceremony and graduation from OHSU, today also serves to reaffirm your commitment to the profession’s ethical ideals as future alumni to the OHSU School of Dentistry,” said Stafford, D.M.D., who oversees the school’s academic programs.
Seventy students gathered in a lecture hall in the Robertson Life Sciences Building, each belonging to clinic groups named after iconic Portland bridges, such as Steel and Fremont. There was a sense of pride permeating the room. Faculty members who serve as advisers to the six bridge groups, affixed a pin to each student’s white coat lapel.
Bryan Guthrie, D.M.D., the Sellwood Bridge practice group leader, shakes the hand of School of Dentistry third-year student Angela Hung after handing an OHSU pin to her.
This is the second year the School of Dentistry has recognized the near-graduation timing in the students’ journey. The moment underscores the school’s commitment to celebrating achievements along the way, while encouraging a supportive and nurturing atmosphere during the rigorous four-year doctorate program.
Beyond the placement of pins, a sense of shared purpose and belonging reverberated throughout the room, propelling these future dentists forward with renewed determination and pride in their chosen path.
“You will become part of the 6,000 School of Dentistry alumni soon. Start thinking about how you will support each other, support the profession and support your communities,” said Sakaguchi.
Story by Rhonda Morin, APR. Photos by Patrick Lee
