2026 White Coat Ceremony
The VCU School of Dentistry’s White Coat Ceremony symbolizes dental and dental hygiene students’ entrance into the health-care profession of dentistry and marks their transition from the study of preclinical to clinical health sciences.
This year's ceremony will take place Friday, March 6, 2026 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center Ballroom (B21). Parking for the convention center is located at the corner of Third and Marshall Streets in the Convention Center Parking Deck. The parking deck connects directly to the convention center. See venue map for spatial reference.
Each member in the D.D.S. Class of 2028 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2027 will receive five (5) tickets for invited friends and family to join them in celebrating this milestone event. Students participating in the ceremony do not need a ticket to enter/attend. Children old enough to sit in their own chair will need a ticket. Babies in strollers or ones sitting in an adult’s lap do not.
The doors to the Ballroom will open at 1:00 p.m. for family and guests to find seating. Students should arrive no later than 1:15 p.m. with their white coats pressed and ready for presentation. Students should enter the Convention Center and head to the Governor’s Room (B20) where they will gather before their procession into the Ballroom.
- Dress code for the event is business professional. Since faculty will be putting on your white coat on stage, it will be easier if you DO NOT wear a coat or jacket with your outfit.
Guests should proceed to the Ballroom to find seating. Students proceed to the Governor’s Room which is around the corner from the entrance to the Ballroom.
Tickets will be distributed Monday, March 2 in the Crockett Lounge from 12 - 1 p.m. If you are unable to pick up your tickets during that time, please see Cindy Cheely in the Dean’s Office (Lyons 450) any time before Friday, March 6 to pick up your tickets.