CLEVELAND, Ohio — The inaugural class of the Bitonte College of Dentistry at the Northeast Ohio Medical University recently received their white coats during ceremonies marking the opening of the dental college, the university said.

Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel and other dignitaries spoke to the class of 52 students at the Rootstown campus on Friday, Aug. 22.

“All 52 students – I only have one request – you stay in Ohio,” Tressel said.

The Bitonte College of Dentistry is one of the few dental colleges in the state of Ohio, the university said. It is the university’s fourth college, joining the university’s colleges of medicine, pharmacy and graduate studies.

Its graduates will help address the shortage of dentists in many Ohio counties and the unmet need for dental health care

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