“2025-2026 Academic Year White Coat Ceremony of the Faculty of Dentistry” was held with great enthusiasm and high participation at Sezai Karakoç Cultural Center at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN).
BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmial Hakkı Özölçer, the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Dr. Baran Can Sağlam, Chief Physician of Zonguldak Oral and Dental Health, Emre Erbaycu, senate members, academic staff, dentists, and students attended the opening ceremony.
Following a moment of silence and the singing of the National Anthem, the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Dr. Baran Can Sağlam, gave his opening speech. Emphasizing the pride they feel to witness this joyful day of future dentists, Sağlam wished the students continuous success in their studies. At the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Sağlam extended his thanks to the Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, who has always contributed to the Faculty of Dentistry, and those who contributed to the event.
Rector Özölçer: “You will Heal Your Patients as You Shape Your Professional Life with Love”
Following the opening speech of Prof. Dr. Baran Can Sağlam, Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer said the following:
“We are gathered here to share the pride and joy of the students, the future dentists. I wholeheartedly congratulate the distinguished students who have chosen the field of dentistry and their families, on behalf of myself and the university. Dear students, you will start a new journey today by wearing your white coat. White coats represent honesty, dignity, and responsibility. It is a symbol of love for the public service without distinction of religion, language, or race. A white coat is power and strength. Never stop benefiting from the knowledge or the experiences of your professors on your journey to becoming a dentist. The stains that may appear on your white coats will represent your efforts, hard work, and honor. Note that being a doctor requires sacrifice and commitment. It demands devotion, love, and dedication to the people. The strong voice of Turkish storytelling, Sait Faik said, “To love, it begins with loving a person,” and Sezai Karakoç, whom we commemorated yesterday with grace, said, “The road to a heart is through sincerity”. These words best describe the essence of being a doctor. Medicine begins with love for humanity, sincerity toward your patients, and devotion to your profession. As you bring that love, compassion, and sincerity together with knowledge, hearts will find their way to healing. Before I conclude my words, I extend my thanks, in your presence, to the devoted families who have brought our bright future students to this day. I congratulate the academic and administrative staff who contribute to the development of our Faculty of Dentistry, and extend my gratitude to our guests. I wish all our students a life full of health, success, and happiness on their path to becoming doctors.”
The white coat ceremony began following the Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer’s speech. The students of the Faculty of Dentistry put on the white coats that represent the significance of the profession. The ceremony continued with the medical oath, led by the BEUN Faculty of Dentistry faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gaye Sağlam. The event concluded with a commemorative photo session.
