On Friday morning, May 12, Augusta University celebrated the 2023 Dental College of Georgia graduates in a hooding ceremony at First Baptist Church.
With 97 students graduating from the university’s dental program this spring, many proud families filled the church pews, and clapped as professors offered congratulations.
To start the ceremony, Kevin Frazier, Vice Dean and professor of the Dental College of Georgia, said the students graduating had completed many tiresome and difficult tasks to receive their degree, and he was proud to see them begin a new journey.
“During the last four years, combined, this class has provided well over 1000 hours of community service locally, statewide, nationally and even globally,” he said. “Look around this room and consider the size and absolute diversity of this gathering; just try to imagine that wide arrange of thoughts and emotions that are also being experienced here this morning … for the graduates – relief, for faculty and staff – satisfaction, for family and friends – pride, and for all of us here – gratitude for the journey and hopeful anticipation about what’s next.”
Frazier said dentistry would give students the opportunity to serve others in numerous ways with positions across the country and globe, should they choose.
“Some will become associates in private or corporate dental offices, some will serve in a dental unit as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, and others will practice in public health and community clinics in health profession shortage areas in Georgia and beyond,” he said. “It’s a great profession.”
Various professors and deans gave students and audience members insight into navigating a future and career as a newly minted professional.
Interim Dean of the Dental College of Georgia Nancy Young shared her own story and hoped the ceremony was just as special for her students.
“It was 17 years ago that I sat in this very same sanctuary for my hooding ceremony, and it seems like yesterday,” she said. “It is a day you will never forget. Today, you become a doctor. I am thankful for all of you, and I am thankful we are passionate about this incredible profession. You are our next generation of healthcare professionals.”
As students ventured out into the world, Young said she wanted to remind the graduates to always be confident, compassionate and respectful, because patients put an immense amount of trust every time they sit in one of their chairs. In addition, Young advised the graduates to always balance their work by making time for themselves, friends and family.
“It takes all of us to make a difference,” she said. “Remember to also give back to others.”
Following Young, guest speaker Dr. Van B. Hayward, professor emeritus of restorative sciences at the dental college, spoke on advice he wanted to share that he accumulated over the years from family members and experience.
“You’re beginning all over. Failed practical exams, patient cancellations and grades don’t matter now,” he said. “What matters now is the opportunities you will have and to make the most of that; this is your fresh start.”
With a failed marriage behind him as a result of misguided focuses, Hayward told students to always prioritize doing the right thing for themselves, their patients and their loved ones.
“That discovery gave me an incredible career where I could bless other people … ‘if you don’t have time to do it right the first time, when will you have time to do it over?’ As a dentist you’ll eventually want to be good and famous, but be good first – being fast will come,” he said. “Live reasonably and provide for your family, which means not just with finances, but by being present and giving them your time. Listen to your spouse, your children, your friends and the rest of your family. Moments you think will last forever are gone within minutes.”
After telling graduates that they should ask for advice often and take responsibility for their choices, Hayward also said students should remember to learn from the past and inevitable mistakes, without staying trapped in them. Mistakes are about learning what works for each individual, and reminding people that life is full of ups and downs because it is a journey.
“It’s not a destination. Don’t wait for everything to be perfect until you’re happy,” he said. “Don’t say, ‘when I get this, I’ll do that,’ but see what you need to do along the journey in the present. After all, each day we have is a gift – that’s why they call it the ‘present.’”
Hayward ended his speech by telling students that dentistry is all about providing for each patient, and trying to give them peace of mind in whatever way possible.
“Patients have a heart, a mind and a soul in addition to teeth. Sometimes the ministry of dentistry is to listen, and counsel as well as restore teeth,” he said. “You can’t help all the patients in the world, but you help people one patient at a time, and you never know the kind of impact you will have in their lives.”
The 2023 Dental College of Georgia Class President Eric Wilkins then spoke and thanked many student officers, staff and faculty for their relentless dedication and hardwork to motivate and provide opportunities for the graduates throughout their four years together.
“Every member of this class has put their heart, soul, blood, sweat and tears into working towards this day. Because my classmates and I have endured these rigors together and helped each other get through them, we have created bonds with one another that are inseparable,” said Wilkins as he held back tears. “We will remember each and every member of our graduating class with a fondness and perspective of mutual respect that is lifelong and unquestioned.”
Wilkins, who is also a veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, concluded by also thanking his wife for tirelessly working two jobs, helping raise their children and “picking up the slack” while he pursued his education in dentistry.
He also expressed immense gratitude for every patient that entrusted him and his classmates to practice and learn on their teeth in order to achieve their degree; thanks to the patients, the spring 2023 graduates are able to walk across the stage and finally be called “doctor,” he said.
“Class of 2023, after our dental licenses are granted, we will possess the legal power to exercise the responsibilities and manage, or suffer, the consequences of professionally qualified and licensed dentists,” he said. “It should be very fresh in our mind how hard we have worked for our dental licenses – work just as hard in the future to protect it … in conclusion, I wish all my classmates happy and prosperous careers.”
As graduates were hooded, hugged, kissed and congratulated, many left the church with tears and smiling faces and they emerged from the stage with their hard-earned degree.
