Academic Programs

URL  https://dentistry.ouhsc.edu/Academic-Programs

Degrees Offered:

Technical Standards of Performance

The College recognizes the unique cognitive, technical, and attitudinal aspects of the profession and its curricula. Students must possess the skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully complete the course of study and receive the full benefit of the educational program. The student is required to direct or perform treatment on the patients of the College as part of the curriculum. The College has responsibility for ensuring the safety of patients and student clinicians. This includes the completion of treatment safely and within a reasonable amount of time. The student must be able to meet or perform the following elements that are fundamental to the nature of the program.

Sensory and Observation

Students must be able to observe patients, in clinic or in simulations, in order to gain information to be used in diagnosis. Students must possess vision, hearing and physical abilities sufficient to obtain a patient history, perform a physical examination and provide patient care. Additionally, students must have sufficient dexterity to manipulate dental and dental hygiene equipment appropriately and to perform in class, clinic and laboratory settings for extended periods of time.

Cognitive

Students must be able to solve problems using the ability to understand and retain knowledge derived from readings, lectures and demonstrations. Students must be able to use reasoning to analyze and integrate learned material and apply principles to new problems.

Motor Skills

Students ordinarily should have motor function sufficient to enable them to execute movements required to provide general care for and treatment of patients in routine and emergency situations. It is required that a student possess the motor skills necessary to directly perform palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic maneuvers, basic laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional uses of the senses of touch, vision and smell. Students must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress.

Communication

Students must be able to communicate effectively with patients; convey or exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history; identify problems presented; explain alternative solutions; and give directions during treatment and post treatment. Communication includes speech and writing. Students must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team. Students must have sufficient facility with English in order to retrieve information from texts and lectures and communicate concepts on written exams and patient charts; elicit patient backgrounds; describe patient changes in moods, activity and posture; and coordinate patient care with all members of the health care team. In any case where a student’s ability to communicate through these sensory modalities is compromised, the student must demonstrate acceptable alternative means and/or ability to acquire and demonstrate the essential information conveyed in this fashion.

Behavioral Skills

Students must possess the emotional health required for all utilization of the intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients and the development of mature, sensitive and effective relationships with patients.

Accreditation

The OU College of Dentistry is one of approximately 65 programs in the United States and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, Commission on the Institutions of Higher Education, and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

Curriculum

The four-year curriculum begins with foundational studies in biomedical and dental sciences, progresses to applied laboratory and simulated patient experiences, and culminates with clinical training and comprehensive patient care. Completion of the prescribed program leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree. Significant opportunities for treating patients is a hallmark of the student's training at the College of Dentistry and promotes the formation of strong clinical skills and development of excellent practitioners.

In addition to completing the curriculum required by the College of Dentistry, students must also pass regional and national examinations administered by organized dentistry in order to receive a degree and become licensed to practice.

There is an extensive body of information and a host of new skills to master in a relatively short time. An average course load is about 25 credit-hours per semester and all courses must be completed with a "C" or higher in order to advance to the next succeeding level. The learning experience features a team-based approach that promotes positive peer interaction and camaraderie, and all patient care provided by students is done under the supervision of licensed and highly-qualified dental faculty.

Patient interaction begins in the first year, and is accompanied by curriculum that focuses on developing a solid foundation in the biomedical sciences with introduction to the various disciplines in dentistry. As students progress to the second year, instruction involves more hands-on exercises in which they learn to perform procedures in a laboratory or simulated (preclinical) patient environment. Third year students spend substantially more time treating patients for specific dental concerns with emphasis shifting to comprehensive management and treatment of patients in year four of the curriculum.

Tulsa

All accepted and matriculating dental students will complete years 1 and 2 of their dental education at the OU College of Dentistry in Oklahoma City. Starting in June 2022, students will complete years 3 and 4 of their dental education in one of our nine group practices in Oklahoma City or at our tenth group practice in Tulsa, which is located in the OU Health Physicians Schusterman Center Clinic on the OU-Tulsa Campus.

Effective with the incoming class of 2027, prospective students will indicate interest in assignment to our Tulsa Clinic on their AADSAS application form and be notified of selection by the college upon admission to the D.D.S. program. This process enables students to plan ahead with regard to housing, transportation and other location-based needs.

We are excited about the opportunities awaiting students at our Oklahoma City and Tulsa clinics. Together, these clinics help us fulfill one of our primary roles: To improve the health of the community and surrounding area by bringing dental services, at substantially reduced fees, into areas of our state with underserved oral health needs.