SAN FRANCISCO: In what is being described as a groundbreaking moment in dental education, students at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at the University of the Pacific took the "Dentist-Scientist Oath," a ceremony touted as "possibly the first research-specific oath in dental schools worldwide," according to faculty organizers.
Participants included the Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2026 and the International Dental Studies Class of 2025. The event underscores the school’s commitment to blending clinical excellence with research ethics and inclusivity.
Dr. David Lam, who created the oath, explained its roots in academia, citing inspiration from his mentor, Dr. Karen Davis, a distinguished neuroscientist at the University of Toronto. “This oath emphasizes professionalism, ethical research, and inclusivity, ensuring that scientific advancements benefit diverse communities globally,” Lam noted.
The initiative aligns with the students’ completion of the Pacific-Stanford PRIMED Fundamentals of Clinical Research program, a collaborative effort between Dugoni School and Stanford University. This rigorous, year-long program provided students with 20 hours of clinical research training, culminating in a Stanford-issued certificate of completion.
DDS Class of 2026 member Tyler West reflected, “The oath ceremony was a profound reminder of our dual roles as clinicians and researchers. It’s a testament to our responsibility in advancing dentistry through ethical and inclusive research.”
This ceremonial milestone highlights a shift in dental education, integrating scientific rigor with a pledge to uphold integrity and inclusivity in research, positioning these future dental professionals as leaders in a rapidly evolving field.