Dugoni School Students Take First-Ever “Dentist-Scientist Oath” to Ethics and Professionalism in Research

Dugoni School Students Take First-Ever “Dentist-Scientist Oath” to Ethics and Professionalism in Research

In a historic ceremony on August 20, 2024, students at the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, took the “Dentist-Scientist Oath,” marking a significant commitment to ethics and professionalism in research. This event is notable as it may be the first research-specific oath ceremony ever conducted at a dental school globally.

Ceremony Highlights

The ceremony featured students from the Doctor of Dental Surgery Class of 2026 and the International Dental Studies Class of 2025. The event began with welcoming remarks from Dean Dr. Nader Nadershahi, who underscored the vital role of research integrity in advancing dental practice.

Following the dean's address, Dr. Rebecca Moazzez shared insights into the Dugoni School's research initiatives, providing context to the significance of the occasion. Dr. David Lam, who created the oath, then discussed the history of professional oaths in medicine and dentistry, before guiding the students through the oath recitation.

Inspiration Behind the Oath

Dr. Lam explained the origins of the “Dentist-Scientist Oath,” which was inspired by his mentor, Dr. Karen Davis, a renowned neuroscientist at the University of Toronto. Her original oath emphasized community, professionalism, and ethical conduct in research. Dr. Lam and his colleagues adapted these foundational principles, adding a focus on inclusivity to ensure research is relevant to diverse populations.

Commitment to Clinical Research

In preparation for the oath, students participated in the Pacific-Stanford PRIMED Fundamentals of Clinical Research program, a collaborative effort between the Dugoni School and Stanford University. This mandatory training spanned over a year and included 20 hours of instruction on best practices for conducting high-quality clinical research. Students will receive a certificate of completion from Stanford in recognition of their participation.

The program enjoyed support from a $3.8 million grant from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health. Its goal is to cultivate the next generation of clinical oral health researchers capable of translating research findings into clinical practice.

Student Reflections

“Participating in the dentist-scientist oath ceremony was a powerful reminder of the responsibility we hold as both clinicians and researchers,” said Tyler West, a member of the DDS Class of 2026. “It reinforced the necessity of conducting research with integrity and commitment to advancing patient care.”

Arick Christopher, also from the DDS Class of 2026, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Dugoni School embodies humanistic ideals in everything they do. The oath ceremony serves as a constant reminder of the importance of morality and thoughtfulness in research.”

A Tradition of Ethical Commitment

Dean Dr. Nader A. Nadershahi expressed pride in the dedication shown by both faculty and students at the Dugoni School. “This dentist-scientist oath celebrates their commitment to integrity and inclusion as we work together to advance our great profession,” he said.

The Dugoni School has a strong tradition of emphasizing ethics and professionalism in dentistry. It was the first dental school to host a White Coat Ceremony, marking students' transition to patient care, a tradition that has continued annually since the mid-1990s.

Conclusion

The “Dentist-Scientist Oath” underscores the Dugoni School's commitment to fostering a culture of ethics and professionalism in research, ultimately enhancing the future landscape of dental practice and patient care. With this oath, students are not only pledging to uphold ethical standards but also to contribute meaningfully to advancements in dentistry.