In her speech, Rosa Chaviano congratulated the recent graduates and highlighted the work of dentists in society, through their adaptation to new technologies and their care for and services provided to patients and communities. “Dentistry is one of the most respected trades in the world,” she said. 

Subsequently, the president of the Hispanic Dental Association and associate dean of Admissions at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine in New Jersey (USA), reminded new dentists how they should treat their patients. “Every time we provide our dental services to our patients, we have to do it with respect, humility, and compassion,” she emphasised. 

The patron also advised her new colleagues to be “transparent, because they have the privilege of caring for one of the most important parts of the human body and sometimes must follow the most difficult path to offer the highest quality to users”. 

Finally, Chaviano urged the new dentists to remember everything they learned in the classroom and encourage others to fall in love with the profession. “Make an impact on the future of dentistry and encourage others to become part of this wondeful profession,” she encouraged them. 

After being awarded their diplomas, the class representatives for undergraduate, master's and postgraduate degrees all delivered their speeches. “Today we are saying a farewell that will mark a new beginning,” said Gustavo Doreste, class representative for bachelor’s degree in dentistry students. Finally, Dr Lluís Giner, dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, closed the event, which ended with participants singing the university anthem Gaudeamus Igitur.