The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, established in 1971 (its first dental class graduated in 1976), is the only dental school in Oklahoma and the state's primary dental workforce training institution. Located at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, the College of Dentistry trains general and specialty dentists for Oklahoma and surrounding region with a strong public mission to address dental access disparities across the state's urban, rural, and tribal communities.
What makes it different
Applications via ADEA AADSAS. As the only dental school in Oklahoma, OU Dentistry has a uniquely important role in the state's dental workforce pipeline. The school serves Native American and tribal communities across Oklahoma, providing students with distinctive cultural competency training. Its OU Health Sciences Center location gives students access to a major academic health system.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum integrating biomedical sciences with clinical training. Clinical patient care begins in Year 2 at the OU Dental Clinic, one of the largest in the region. Years 3–4 include comprehensive patient management and elective specialty rotations. Community dental outreach experiences are integrated throughout the program.
Research strengths
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (DDS) has notable research strength in Oral biology, Dental public health, Craniofacial development, Community oral health, Oral oncology.
Interview
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (DDS) interviews via Traditional one-on-one faculty and/or panel interview. University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry conducts traditional one-on-one or small panel faculty interviews at its Oklahoma City Health Sciences Center campus. Interview days include faculty sessions of 30–45 minutes assessing motivation for dentistry, manual dexterity awareness, understanding of oral-systemic health, and commitment to serving Oklahoma communities. Candidates participate in a clinic and simulation lab tour, interact with current DDS students, and attend an admissions information session. Strong preference is given to Oklahoma residents, and interviewers probe candidates' connection to the state and awareness of Oklahoma's rural dental access challenges. Post-interview rolling decisions are typically issued within 4–8 weeks.
Intake
Approximately 50–60 students per year.
At a glance
Founded in 1971, based in Oklahoma City, OK. Programmes offered: General Dentistry, Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry.
