https://dentistry.ouhsc.edu/Academic-Programs/Dental-Hygiene
The University of Oklahoma Dental Hygiene Program is designed to educate and prepare students for careers in dental hygiene. The College emphasizes the comprehensive care model that allows both hygienists and dental students to work together in clinical patient care to simulate a real-life dental practice.
The program consists of a minimum of 60 hours of prerequisite coursework from The University of Oklahoma, or any other accredited university or college, and in addition, two years of dental hygiene curriculum. After completion, graduates will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene and will be eligible to take examinations for licensure to practice as registered dental hygienists.
Why the University of Oklahoma for Your Education in Dental Hygiene?
An OU dental hygiene baccalaureate degree allows entry into positions in teaching, administration, public health and corporate positions that no other dental hygiene program can compare to. With its distance education possibilities, the program allows students who are unable to relocate, remain near their home.
The program is conveniently located at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City and is also available at three satellite locations via distance technology.
- Tri County Technology Center in Bartlesville, OK
- Southern Oklahoma Technology Center in Ardmore, OK
- Western Technology Center in Weatherford, OK
Required Prerequisite courses
Transfer Course Policy
Courses Completed While at Other Dental Hygiene Programs
The OU Dental Hygiene Program does not accept course credit for dental hygiene courses completed at other dental hygiene programs.
Transfer Courses Taken at Institutions Other Than the University of Oklahoma
Successful completion of a minimum of 60 hours of specified prerequisite coursework
from an accredited college or university is required, prior to applying to the program.
Prerequisite courses taken at institutions other than the University of Oklahoma must be from accredited institutions and transfer properly.
Cost
It is the student’s responsibility to ensure they are enrolled in the prescribed courses and to pay tuition and fees at the time designated by the Bursar's Office. Details regarding tuition/fee charges and collection are available from the Bursar's Office.
Admission Criteria
During each admissions cycle, the program receives an average of 150 qualified applications. Applications reaching a verified status through the main ADEA DHCAS (American Dental Education Association – Dental Hygiene Centralized Application
Service) are reviewed and receive an academic score based on total cumulative GPA, total science GPA, and ACT/SAT score. Credit is also awarded for the number of foundational courses successfully completed. Academic scores are sorted from highest to lowest and 75 individuals with the highest rated applications are invited to interview in-person during our March interviews.
Admission to our program is competitive. Applicants may want to review the Statistics for DH Program document to review information for students that have been successfully accepted to the program.
Application Process
Two separate applications are required:
- The Primary DHCAS Application is submitted through The American Dental Association’s Dental Hygiene Centralized Application Service. This primary application and instructions are available on the American Dental Education Association’s (ADEA) website: http://www.adea.org/DHCASapp/applicants/
- Applicants must also submit an OUHSC Supplemental Application to The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC).The application can be found at admissions.ouhsc.edu. When applying to OUHSC, applicants apply to each site they wish to be considered for: Ardmore, Bartlesville, Oklahoma City and/or Weatherford. Site order preference is not determined during the application process.
Required Materials
- All materials are submitted through the DHCAS website according to their instructions: http://www.adea.org/DHCASapp/applicants/
- Official transcripts: Applicants request official transcripts from each college or university attended using a special DHCAS transmittal form.
- ACT or SAT score: Individual component scores and composite scores are required. Applicants are instructed to upload their ACT score report under the Standardized Tests section of the application.
- Personal statement: For detailed instructions regarding the personal statement, please use this link: ADEA Personal Statement, then scroll to the Personal Statement section.
- 40-hour observation verification: Signed documentation from practicing registered dental hygienist(s) for a minimum of 40 hours of observation is required. Use additional forms if necessary.
- Download 40 Hour Observation Verification Form.
- Two letters of recommendation: Applicants provide email addresses for two letter writers to the DHCAS. The DHCAS sends emails to letter writers with instructions explaining the submission process.
- Optional: Applicants that have completed the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination offered by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB), please upload a copy of the certificate to the DHCAS website under the Licenses and Certificates section of the application.
- TOEFL Exam (Test of English Foreign Language)
The TOEFL Exam is Required for Applicants to Whom English is a Second Language
Dental hygiene program exceptions:
- The TOEFL exam is waived for applicants whom have earned a high school diploma from a United States high school
- The TOEFL exam is waived for applicants whom have earned a bachelor’s degree from a four-year United States institution
Minimum TOEFL Scores for Dental Hygiene Program applicants:
- Paper Based TOEFL Score: 550
- Internet Based TOEFL Score: 79
Please be aware that TOEFL scores expire after two years
Applicants with additional questions regarding the TOEFL exam, please click here: Who should take the TOEFL Exam?
- Foreign Transcripts or Credentials:
Applicants with foreign transcripts or credentials are required to submit official grade documents to WES for a course-by-course evaluation. Please click on the World Education Services (WES) link above to visit their website.
Applicants with additional questions regarding foreign transcripts or credentials, please click here: OUHSC Admissions Click on Prospective Students, then International Applicants
University of oklahoma college of dentistry 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.
