At the ceremony held in the Dr. Ralph Defronzo Auditorium of Atlas University's Valley Campus, graduates of the Faculty of Dentistry, their families, and academics came together to share the joy of graduation on this special day.
Prof. Dr. Engin Gülal: “Dentistry is a Special Profession”
In his opening speech at the ceremony, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Engin Gülal addressed the young dentists and said the following:
“The oath you will take today symbolizes not only your entry into a profession, but also your commitment to ethical values, human health, and lifelong learning. You are no longer just individuals equipped with knowledge and skills, but also healthcare professionals who carry the trust of society.”
Dentistry is a unique profession that combines science, technology, and a human-centered approach. Your patients will expect not only treatment but also trust, understanding, and hope from you. What will set you apart is not only your knowledge but also your commitment to professional and ethical values.
At Atlas University, we have strived to educate you as physicians who embrace scientific thinking, are guided by ethical principles, and aim to add value to society. I believe that you will continue to learn, research, and improve yourselves on your journey ahead. I would like to thank our academics who contributed to this success and your families who have always been by your side; and I wish you success in your professional lives.”
Prof. Dr. Selim Arıcı: “Always Chase Your Dreams”
In his opening speech at the ceremony, the Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Prof. Dr. Selim Arıcı, thanked the university administration and academics, especially the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Yusuf Elgörmüş, for providing all the necessary resources for the best possible training of young dentists. Prof. Dr. Selim Arıcı also thanked the families for their sacrifices in providing for their children's education and offered important advice to the graduates.
Prof. Dr. Selim Arıcı emphasized that dentistry is a profession practiced not only with knowledge and technical skills, but also with conscience, compassion, and love for humanity. He urged young dentists to always approach their patients with care and understanding, stating that maintaining empathy throughout their professional lives is of great importance.
Professor Dr. Selim Arıcı advised graduates to courageously pursue their dreams, stating that success is only possible through determination, perseverance, and continuous improvement. He emphasized the importance of closely following scientific and technological advancements in dentistry, adding that being constantly self-improving and open to learning would form the foundation of their professional success.
"Always keep the bond between you strong."
In his speech, Arıcı urged the graduates never to forget their dreams, stating that the challenges they might face should not deter them from their goals. He also emphasized the value of the friendships and professional solidarity they formed during their faculty years, wishing the graduates continued support for each other, maintaining strong bonds, and preserving this spirit of camaraderie throughout their lives. He then congratulated all the graduates and wished them success in their professional careers.
From Dr. Serdar Gözler, Assistant Professor "Final Lesson" Messages for Young Dentists
During the ceremony, Dr. Serdar Gözler, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Dentistry, also took the podium and offered advice to the young dentists on how to guide them in their professional lives. This meaningful speech, given before the oath ceremony, was followed with great interest by the students, who considered it their "final lesson".
The graduates' slideshow created emotional moments.
The program continued with a slideshow featuring excerpts from the graduating students' academic lives. The presentation, which included images from their faculty years, evoked emotional moments in the hall.
A thank-you presentation was made to the Department Heads.
Presentations of appreciation were given to the heads of departments who contributed to the dental education process. The dedicated work of the academic staff and their contributions to the students were emphasized at the ceremony.
Presentation of Plaques to Top-Ranking Students
At the ceremony, plaques were presented to the top-performing students from the 2025-2026 Academic Year English and Turkish Programs by the Vice Chairperson of the Board of Trustees Naciye Seymenoğlu Torpil, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Engin Gülal, Rector's Advisor Prof. Dr. Zafer Utlu, Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Selim Arıcı, and Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Assoc. Dr. Süleyman Emre Meşeli.
The top-ranking students in both the English and Turkish programs shared their thoughts and feelings in their speeches, expressing gratitude to their families, academics, and friends for their support throughout their education.
Graduates were given their oath certificates.
As part of the program, graduating students were presented with their oath certificates. Before embarking on their professional lives, the students pledged to perform their duties in accordance with ethical values and professional responsibilities.
The program concluded with the swearing-in ceremony and group photo session.
In the final part of the ceremony, the young dentists formalized their graduation by taking their professional oath. The graduation program ended with a group photo session following the oath ceremony.
The 2025-2026 Academic Year Dentistry Faculty Graduation Ceremony was a meaningful and proud moment as graduating students took their first steps into their professional lives. The ceremony, attended by university administration, academic staff, and families, provided the young dentists with an unforgettable graduation day.
