Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Dentistry organized a “White Coat Ceremony” and a “High Honour-Honour Ceremony” within the scope of 22 November, Dentistry Day and, Oral and Dental Health Week. The said ceremonies took place of Friday, 22 November 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Champion Angels Amphitheatre. In the ceremony, first year students who have just began their educational journey at the EMU Faculty of Dentistry as of 2024-2025 Academic Year Fall Semester were presented with their white coats. On the other hand, ranking students of 2023-2024 Academic Year Spring Semester received their honour and high honour certificates.
The ceremonies were attended by EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Prof. Dr. Salih Katırcıoğlu and Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Department of Culture Director Şirin Zaferyıldızı Zaimağaoğlu, Chief Physician of Famagusta State Hospital Dr. Mustafa Kalfaoğlu, Cyprus Turkish Practitioners Association, Public Health, Environment and Human Rights Responsible Dr. Cemal Mert, EMU Faculty of Dentistry Dean Prof. Dr. Hikmet Solak, EMU Health Scienes Faculty Dean Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, EMU Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Dr. Ozan Gülcan, EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty Acting Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nilüfer Gözoğlu, EMU Faculty of Dentistry Vice Dean Prof. Dr. Şükrü Tüzmen, many academics, students and their families.
Following a moment of silence and national anthem, the event continued with opening speeches. EMU Faculty of Dentistry’s Dean Prof. Dr. Hikmet Solak underscore that dentistry is one of the oldest professions in the world, providing information on the history of dentistry and touching on the differences between a dentist and a dental practitioner. Making remarks on 22 November – Turkish Dental Practitioner’s Day and World Oral Health Day, Prof. Dr. Solak stated that as the EMU Faculty of Dentistry, they aimed to celebrate both occasions with the white coat ceremony.
“You are taking on a Title for Providing Services in the Healthcare Sector”
In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Kılıç said; “The white coat ceremony carries profound meaning and importance in the healthcare-related sectors. By wearing this coat, you are taking on a title that marks your entry into the health sector, along with the responsibility and awareness it entails. It is a privilege and a source of pride for me to share this moment and these feelings with you. From the first day it was established in 2019, EMU Faculty of Dentistry has provided world-class academic education to students from various regions of the world, with a strong faculty possessing international recognition and experience, along with advanced technological devices and equipment. Today, as you put on the white coats that represent your future profession, you are embarking on the first step of your professional journey. I wholeheartedly wish that the knowledge and expertise you acquire here will lead you to remarkable achievements. I extend my warmest congratulations on 22 November, World Dentistry Day, and Oral and Dental Health Week, and celebrate all students who have earned high honours and honours certificates”.
Following the opening speeches, the event continued with the presentation of white coats to students and ended with the presentation of honour and high honour certificates to the ranking students of EMU Dentistry Faculty in the 2023-2024 Academic Year Spring Semester.