Presided over by the dean of the Faculty of Dentistry, Dr Lluís Giner, the event took place on 10 July and brought together the new graduates, accompanied by family members, friends and lecturers, in a ceremony filled with emotion, commitment and professional pride.

The sponsor of the graduating class was Dr Pedro Clarós, an internationally recognised ENT specialist, who delivered a moving speech paying tribute to the three key protagonists of the day: the teaching staff, the families and the graduates. “You have extracted the gold that lay beneath their outer layer,” he said, referring to the transformative role of the lecturers. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the parents: “Money kept in a drawer serves no purpose, but the investment you’ve made in your children has already shown its worth.”

To the new graduates, he remarked that “university is one of the most beautiful stages of life” and encouraged them to continue their education, including the possibility of pursuing teaching or combining it with clinical practice. “Practise dentistry with honour and respect,” he advised. Dr Clarós also reflected on the experiences shared with those students who took part in humanitarian missions, highlighting the social commitment that defines the profession.

During the ceremony, sashes were presented and diplomas awarded to the new graduates. Student representatives then addressed their peers and the audience, expressing gratitude for the support of the teaching staff and the unwavering encouragement of their families.

The dean of the Faculty, Dr Lluís Giner, offered his congratulations to the new dentists and their families, emphasising that “you are now professionals, with all the responsibilities that this profession entails.” He also urged them not to fear the future “because you are well trained and know your limits,” encouraging them to pursue lifelong learning and to always uphold their commitment to prevention and the promotion of health, in order to safeguard the overall wellbeing of all individuals, with particular attention to those most vulnerable.

The day before, on 9 July, the graduation ceremony for the Faculty of Dentistry’s master’s and postgraduate students was also held at the Teatre-Auditori in Sant Cugat. Dr Pilar Mateo, an internationally recognised researcher, entrepreneur and scientist, sponsored the new graduating class. In her address, Dr Mateo offered a profound reflection on the meaning of professional life and the need for science to serve social transformation, inviting graduates to give purpose to their professional careers. She also encouraged the new professionals to practise dentistry with sensitivity, social awareness and global responsibility.
 

These two ceremonies marked a proud farewell to a new cohort of dentists and a warm welcome to the UIC Barcelona Alumni community.