The 2025–2026 Academic Year White Coat Ceremony of Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry was held on Monday, December 01, in the Dr. N. Sertaç Sırma Conference Hall. The program was attended by Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Korkut Ulucan, Vice Deans Prof. Dr. Gühan Dergin and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erkut Kahramanoğlu, and Director of the Institute of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Feyza Arıcıoğlu, as well as faculty members and students.
Following a moment of silence and the National Anthem, the ceremony continued with a speech by Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur. Emphasizing that Marmara University Faculty of Dentistry holds a special place in Türkiye and that the students admitted to the faculty are also special students, Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur highlighted the importance of the white coat, stating: “Wearing the white coat is a ritual and also an expression of intention. The coat you wear here will place a responsibility on you; in fact, you are putting on a shirt of responsibility.” Drawing attention also to professional and ethical responsibilities, the Rector said, “Medicine is a sacred profession. Dentistry requires a distinct kind of trust. You must learn not only to be good physicians but also to be good human beings. Knowing how to give, to share, and to remain pure is part of this profession.” Advising the students, the Rector said, “We expect our students not to be concerned only with receiving, but also to experience giving in their lives. In the future, they should aim to belong to the profession, to gain respect, and to realize themselves.”
Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Korkut Ulucan stated that students and their families would experience a special day together, saying, “Today is your day. Your children will continue their education at one of the faculties where they can receive the best education.” Emphasizing that they are a role-model faculty that combines an education and practice center under one roof, Prof. Dr. Ulucan drew attention to the importance of raising students not only academically but also culturally. Dean Ulucan stated, “We will do our best to educate our students not only academically but also in a way that aligns with the customs, traditions, and culture of our society. We will raise them as respectful individuals who know how to care for others.”
After the ceremony, plaques were presented to faculty members who contributed scientifically to the faculty through TÜBİTAK, TÜSEB, ADEP, and NAP projects and who achieved academic promotion. In addition, white coats were presented to the students who placed in the top ranks and demonstrated outstanding achievement, by Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur and Dean Prof. Dr. Korkut Ulucan.
