A quartet of Bridgeport High School graduates pulled off a rare feat at West Virginia University last month. On August 25, four members of the BHS Class of 2017 earned their white coats and are expected to graduate from the WVU School of Dentistry as part of the Class of 2025.

 

The White Coat Ceremony was held at the WVU Health Sciences Center in the Okey Patterson Auditorium in Morgantown on that particular Friday.

 

The four graduates are Sarah Momen, Taylor Abraham, Stephanie Marnic, and Anna Wilfong (and they are pictured from left to right). Momen is the Vice President of the Student Professionalism and Ethics Association in Dentistry, while Marnic is the treasurer.  The SPEA is formed by the American College of Dentists.

 

Momen is the daughter of Dr. Moe Momen and Dr. Jennifer Momen. Abraham is the daughter of Darren and Tammy Abraham. Marnic is the daughter of Steve and Dr. Linda Marnic. Wilfong is the daughter of Dr. Byron and Barb Wilfong

 

As for the ceremony, it is also known as the clinic induction ceremony. It symbolizes the transition into patient care at the school of dentistry. The school has rotations in all of the different specialties and clinics at the school of dentistry – oral and maxilla facial surgery, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, the urgent care clinic, initial assessment clinic, restorative emergency clinic, and limited care clinic. They also are now able to bring in our own patients into the clinic for comprehensive care.

 

The clinic induction ceremony was for both the WVU SOD dental hygiene Class of 2025 and the WVU SOD dental Class of 2025

 

Here is the re-written oath that was authored with the help of the two BHS alums listed above:

 

I, as a member of the dental profession and the WVU School of Dentistry, pledge to dedicate myself to my patients, my community, and my profession.

 

I will utilize the opportunities and privileges entrusted to me by my mentors, peers, and profession to be of service to patients, to be an outstanding citizen in the community, and to advance the profession.

 

I will bring honor and integrity to the dental profession and support my colleagues. I will promote oral and comprehensive health for all of my patients.

 

Throughout my career, I will unfailingly abide by the Principles of Ethics and the Professional Code of Conduct governing the field of dentistry.

 

I will continue to value the efforts that have been made by my faculty, mentors, and fellow classmates to cultivate my professional and personal character as a dental clinician.

 

After I commence from the WVU School of Dentistry, I will continue to impact the lives of my friends, colleagues, and mentors, because this profession is better through the strength of many rather than one.

 

I will continue to be a lifelong learner and to hone my skills as a clinician striving for excellence as a healthcare professional.

 

This white coat will be a symbol of my perseverance for the betterment of oral health, humility for continued growth, and integrity for the dental profession.

 

Editor's Note: Submitted photo.