The Faculty of Dentistry at The University of Hong Kong (HKU) held its 19th Clinical Pledging Ceremony today (11 September) at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital. This ceremony marked a significant milestone for 91 third-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students as they formally embark on the clinical phase of their dental education.

The ceremony symbolises the students’ transition from preclinical training—encompassing classroom lectures, laboratory exercises, and simulation-based practice—to supervised clinical clerkship involving direct patient care. As dentists-in-training, the students will work alongside experienced clinicians at the Prince Philip Dental Hospital, applying their knowledge and skills in real-world clinical settings.

During the ceremony, students took a solemn professional oath, pledging to deliver the highest standard of oral healthcare and to uphold the honour, integrity, and ethical responsibilities of the dental profession. They affirmed their commitment to practicing dentistry with the utmost professionalism, compassion, confidentiality, and a patient-centred approach.

Dr Sharon Lee, Consultant Dental Surgeon (Operations) of the Department of Health, attended the event as the Guest of Honour. Dr Lee witnessed the students take their oath and sign the pledge, and personally presented each student with a silver name badge, marking their official transition to dentists-in-training.

More than a form of clinical identification, the silver badge represents the students’ evolving professional identity and commitment to serving patients and the community. Worn throughout their clinical training and retained after graduation, the badge serves as a lasting reminder of their pledge and professional responsibilities.

In his opening remarks, Professor Lijian Jin, Dean of the HKU Faculty of Dentistry, encouraged students to embrace their new roles with humility, professionalism, and a lifelong commitment to learning. “Today marks a defining moment in your journey to becoming dental professionals. As you enter the clinical phase of your training, you are entrusted not only with the opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills, but also with the responsibility to care for patients with compassion, integrity and respect. I encourage you to remain humble, curious and dedicated, and to always place patients’ wellbeing at the heart of your practice”

Professor Jin also congratulated the students on reaching this milestone and expressed confidence in their ability to uphold the Faculty’s tradition of excellence in dental education and patient care.

The Clinical Pledging Ceremony is a time-honoured tradition of the Faculty, underscoring the trust placed in future dental professionals and their duty to deliver quality oral healthcare. It also reflects the Faculty’s dedication to nurturing competent, ethical, and compassionate dentists prepared to serve the community.

Speaking on behalf of the cohort, Mr Tsun Hin Ho, BDS Year 3 student representative, expressed gratitude to the Faculty, teachers, families, and classmates for their unwavering support. “Over the past two years, we have learned not only academic knowledge and clinical skills, but also the importance of learning with humility, supporting one another, and understanding the trust patients place in us. We will embrace the next stage of clinical training with professionalism, empathy, and a patient-centred attitude.”

Another student representative, Mr Sheung Heng Ip said that the day marked a new milestone in their dental learning journey. “We will continue to stay true to our original aspirations, grow through responsibility, strive to improve ourselves, and use our lives to inspire and help more people.”

The ceremony concluded with students reaffirming their commitment to serving patients and the community, upholding the honour of the dental profession, and continually advancing their knowledge and skills throughout their education and future careers.

Students receive silver name badges engraved with their names at the Clinical Pledging Ceremony

Mr Tsun Hin Ho (left) and Mr Sheung Heng Ip represent Bachelor of Dental Surgery Year 3 Student to deliver their Vote of Thanks

Witnessed by Dr Sharon Lee, Consultant Dental Surgeon (Operations), Department of Health (sixth from left); Professor Lijian Jin, Dean of the HKU Faculty of Dentistry (sixth from right); teachers and parents, 91 third-year undergraduate dental students pledge to serve patients and the community with professionalism.

Students take photos with their parents to mark the occasion