On 8th October we held our annual Dental Scrubs Ceremony, in the Reception Room, Wills Memorial Building.
The Dental Scrubs ceremony marks the first significant milestone in our students’ professional journey, when they receive their dental scrubs and reflect on their new role and responsibilities as dental professionals.
Bristol Dental School is the only Dental school in the UK that holds a Dental Scrubs ceremony.
Following a welcome address by Prof Barry Main, Head of School, Bristol Dental School, the topic of professionalism was discussed by Dr Neville, including reference to the Dental School’s Uniform and Dress Policy. A new aspect of this year’s ceremony was the inclusion of a Dental Pledge, outlining key values and attitudes required for being a dental professional, and is aligned to the ILO’s of the Safe Practitioner Framework. The dental pledge is as follows:
I undertake that as a student dental professional at Bristol Dental School, I will conduct myself with competence and integrity, with candour and compassion, and with personal commitment to the best interests of my patients.
I shall care for my patients, as I would like to be cared for.
The health and well-being of my patients will be my first consideration. I shall obtain consultation when appropriate and include my patients in all important decisions about their care. I shall accept all patients in a non-judgmental manner and use my skills to serve those who need my help. I will provide absolute discretion and confidentiality for those who entrust me with their care.
As such, I will on all occasions, public and private, act with integrity, honesty and respect both in relation to myself and in my dealings with others.
Recognising the professional journey I am on and what it means to be part of a wider dental team, I will act as an ambassador for my profession and my School in all of my public and private actions.
The morning event culminated in the students receiving their scrubs, receiving their name badges and reciting the dental pledge.
Dr Neville would like to thank all the students for their participation during the event, and especially to Prof Barry Main and Mrs Alison Grant for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend this event. A special word of thanks to Marta Sikorska and Kathryn Jury for their administrative support with the event.
