About 150 dental and dental hygiene students marked their entry into the profession during the White Coat Ceremony held Aug. 19 at the Louisville Palace.

During Saturday’s ceremony, students put on their white coats and accepted the Dental Professional’s Pledge, exhibiting their responsibility for clinical excellence and professionalism at the beginning of their dental education. Students are encouraged to remember the importance of showing compassion and empathy for their patients, and treating them with respect throughout their careers.

DMD Class of 2021 by the numbers:

• Students are from 20 states and one foreign county
• They represent 63 colleges and universities
• 33% are from minority populations
• 3 were part of the ULEAD early admission program
• Overall GPA 3.56
• Science GPA 3.49
• DAT Academic Average 20
• DAT Perceptual Ability Average 20
• DAT Reading Comprehension Average 21*For the second consecutive year, these are the highest average DAT scores in the history of the school.*
• Selected from a pool of 2,814 applicants
  

Dental Hygiene Class of 2019 by the numbers:

• 22 Kentucky residents, 6 Indiana residents, 1 Illinois resident and 1 Texas resident
• They received preparation for the program from 7 different colleges
• 8 were admitted through UPP, the early admission program
  
• 20% are from minority populations
• Overall GPA is 3.63
• GPA in program requirements is 3.68
• Selected from an applicant pool of 63