Our Dental Hygiene Class of December 2026 is asking Herzing University to create a White Coat, Pinning, or Professional Recognition Ceremony near the actual completion of our program. We are also asking that the August 2026 Dental Hygiene graduating class be invited to join us, so they too have the opportunity to receive the professional recognition they worked hard to earn. We further ask that this become an annual tradition for future Dental Hygiene graduating classes. 

Our university commencement takes place before we finish our clinical and academic requirements, meaning we can walk across the graduation stage and then return to class and clinic. For a program this demanding, that does not fully recognize the moment we truly complete our journey.

Dental hygienists are licensed oral health professionals who prevent disease, educate patients, provide clinical care, and serve their communities. We are not asking for another graduation. We are asking for a meaningful moment where our faculty, families, mentors, and loved ones can witness our transition from students into healthcare professionals.

If we want our profession to be respected for the important work we do, that recognition should begin at home—with the institution that prepared us to do it.