Q: What is the White Coat Ceremony?

A: The White Coat Ceremony is a milestone ceremony that celebrates the beginning of clinical studies

for both third year DDS and second year DH students.

Q: When and where is the 2026 White Coat Ceremony?

A: Monday, September 28 from 5:30-7:30pm in Leadership Hall in MSTF (685 W. Baltimore Street)

Q: Can I invite my family and friends?

A: Students may invite up to three guests to the ceremony.

Q: What is the dress code for students?

A: Students should wear professional attire. Bring your clothes that you want to wear to the ceremony

with you to the SOD that morning! You will not have time to go home to change.

Q: What time should students arrive and where?

A: Students need to arrive to the SOD first floor atrium no later than 5:00 pm for class photos and to line-up for the processional into Leadership Hall.

Q: Do we wear our white coats to the ceremony?

A: No. Bring your UNBUTTONED white coat with you and have it draped over your left arm when you process in and go on stage to be coated. Do not forget to bring your white coat; we will not have

extras.

Q: Do my guests need tickets?

A: YES, every guest MUST have a ticket, regardless of age.

Q: Where should my guests park?

A: The closest garage is Pearl, located at 622 W. Fayette Street. There may also be street parking available.

For more parking information: https://www.dental.umaryland.edu/patients/driving-directions-and-parking/

Q: Will the ceremony be livestreamed and recorded?

A: Yes! The ceremony will be livestreamed, and a recording of the ceremony will be posted to the

UMSOD Office of Student Affairs’ website a few days after the ceremony. We will send out the link as we get closer to the event.

Q: Where should my guests go after they have parked?

A: Guests should head directly to the auditorium located at the intersection of Baltimore and Pine Streets. Doors open at 5 pm. Important: food, drink, flags, banners, and balloons are not allowed in Leadership Hall.

From Pearl Garage to Ceremony:

Exit parking garage onto Fayette Street and turn right on Fayette Street At the light, turn left onto Arch Street

Follow Arch to W. Baltimore Street and cross to the other side of W. Baltimore Street Turn right onto W. Baltimore Street and follow to the end of the block

Enter the building on your left

Q: Can my guests take photos during the ceremony?

A: There will be a professional photographer taking photos during the ceremony and those photos will be made available to students soon after the ceremony. Guests are permitted to take photos (no

flash) but may not stand in the aisles or block other attendees.

Q: Can I take photos before the line-up?

A: We recommend taking photos after the ceremony, so that everyone can get lined up and the ceremony can begin on time. The professional photographer will take photos before, during and after

the ceremony. Students will receive a link to these photos soon after the ceremony.

Q: What happens after the ceremony?

A: After the ceremony, guests may exit the hall and partake in the light refreshments being offered in the atrium outside of the hall. Students will remain in the auditorium for a couple of minutes to take

some group photos. Students will meet their guests in the atrium.