The presentation of the International College of Dentists message on Leadership and Professionalism to Dental School ’s White Coat Ceremonies is one of the most visible parts of the ICD Leadership Initiative.  This Ceremony in which the students don their White Coats is symbolic of the transition of the student from didactic studies into the clinical responsibility of treatment for patients. Some ceremonies take place at the beginning of the freshman year, while others are presented upon the completion of the freshman year.  The ICD White Coat message has been presented within the past three years at the University of Alabama , the Medical College of Georgia and the University of Pittsburgh . This year the message will be presented to the University of Alabama , the Medical College of Georgia, the University of Pittsburgh , the State University of New York at Buffalo and NOVA Southeastern University .  The message explains how the relationship and establishment of leadership and professionalism will directly effect and benefit the student during their structured academic years as well as in the years after graduation. The message specifically charges the students to be skilled, honest, moral and ethical in their treatment of patients.  “We are truly a profession”, it says, “and not a trade, thanks to the leadership of dedicated professors who teach the didactic and clinical skills; to the forward thinking researchers who bring us new and cutting edge materials and techniques; and to our Dental Organizations which bind us together and allow us to speak with united positions for the delivery of the best dental care in the world”.  We should truly be grateful and appreciative for the sacrifices and for the personal integrity, professionalism and leadership of those men and women who have preceded us, making Dentistry the esteemed profession that it is.

 It will always be necessary, the students are told, to uphold and continue to enhance our profession through a lifetime of constant learning and for them to have a strong sense of commitment to excellence, as the torch of leadership will ultimately be passed to them. They  will be entrusted with the safekeeping and  being the guardians for the future of Dentistry. Technology and methodology will continue to change, but the standards of professional, ethical and honest behavior as well as skilled treatment should never change.  “The practice of Dentistry is truly a sacred trust”, the message admonishes. “Everyone here should abide by and practice  this principle”. The text also states that the practitioner, researcher and those in academia must have a life-long journey of continuing education along with their dental teams and associates, each giving of their expertise in the form of mentoring to someone in the practice of Dentistry in one form or another.  The message stresses the fact that there are both personal economic benefits and physical and emotional stress relief benefits attributable to being leaders and professionals.  These benefits will bring financial rewards for their families and a happier life for them in Dentistry and in the community. It is clearly stated to the students that our dental teams and our patients should be included as members of our extended families, because they truly are.  A charge is given to each of the students to keep a code of Professionalism, Leadership, and Ethical Behavior and Treatment as their guiding light.  The students are told to share their skills; mentor someone; give back their time, talents and financial support to their Dental Schools, to Dentistry as our profession, and to their communities.  The message is ended with, “On behalf of the International College of Dentists, we welcome you to the Profession, and wish for you the very best during your educational years and the greatest success in all the years that will follow”. 

It has been my honor, privilege and pleasure to have made these presentations on the behalf of the International College of Dentists.

Gerrit C. Hagman, DDS, MSD-- Regent 5^th District , USA Section,  ICD

 | updated: 8/3/05