The Faculty of Dental Medicine graduated a new class of students (class of 2023-2024) at a ceremony held in the conference room of the Rafic Hariri University Campus - Hadath, in the presence of President Bassam Badran, the President of the Lebanese Dental Association, Mr. Ronald Younes, Dean Georges Aoun, and a number of professors, employees and relatives.

After opening the ceremony with the graduates' speech, Dean Georges Aoun gave a speech in which he began by referring to the exceptional nature of this graduating class, in view of the number of graduates (90) and the results obtained, particularly in light of the difficult circumstances the country is going through.

Dean Aoun addressed the graduates in these terms: “Today, you are embarking on a new path to chart your future and enter a world of opportunities and responsibilities. The profession of dentist is not just a job, but a noble mission that requires dedication and sincerity. I recommend that you continually strive to learn and improve, because the science in your field evolves day by day and the challenges are constantly renewed. Be responsible, continue to seek knowledge and be a model of professionalism and ethics.”

He added: “The doors of your university will always remain open, so carry it in your hearts wherever you go, for it has been the gateway to your promising future and will always remain the passage to a homeland of which we all dream.”

Dean Aoun thanked his fellow professors for their efforts to teach and train students despite all difficulties. He also extended his thanks to the relatives of the graduates, appreciating their ability to endure the difficulties of their children's journey to graduation.

Mr. Ronald Younes addressed the graduates in these terms: “You are the ones who will carry the banner of change and development through your unity and solidarity, and you will be part of the renaissance of this field through your skills, research and hard work. With the rapid development of the dental profession, whether in digital medicine or artificial intelligence, you can no longer rely solely on your university studies, but I recommend that you focus on continuous learning and take every opportunity to gain experience and knowledge, whether through your university studies or through training and practice in the field, in order to maintain Lebanon's leading position in medical sciences in particular, and to remain a beacon in the Arab and regional region in this field.”

The president of the association added: “The next step, after graduation, is to obtain your license to practice from the Ministry of Public Health, then to register with the association, where your rights and duties will be explained to you before you take the oath to become a full member. Your membership of the association allows you to benefit from various union services and places you at the center of a national organization that enjoys a prominent and distinguished position.

Mr. Younes emphasized that the Order will always stand by graduates to support them in their careers, protect their rights and develop their profession.

President Badran then gave a speech in which he expressed his joy and pride in graduating students from a university that consistently ranks at the top of global rankings, particularly in the fields of medical specializations, engineering, arts, business management, computer science, mathematics and others.

“Know that success is not the end of the road, but rather the beginning of a journey to continue research, learning and service to the community, and remember that science is a value that knows no boundaries, and that ethics is the compass that will guide you on your journey,” he said. “Make yourselves ambassadors of excellence and innovation and work to enhance the name of your university and your country wherever you go”.

President Badran thanked the professors and staff who have given freely of their time and knowledge to reach this day and thanked the families of the graduates for supporting their children and believing in their abilities.

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