The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry was established in 1971, and its first dental class graduated in 1976. It is the only dental school in Oklahoma and the state's main dental workforce training institution. The college sits at the OU Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. It trains general and specialty dentists for Oklahoma and the surrounding region.
Its public mission is to close dental access gaps across the state's urban, rural, and tribal communities.
What makes University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (DDS) 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.
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (DDS) 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.
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (DDS) research strengths
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (DDS) is strong in these research areas:
- Oral biology
- Dental public health
- Craniofacial development
- Community oral health
- Oral oncology
How the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (DDS) interview runs
Format: 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.
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (DDS) intake
Approximately 50–60 students per year.
University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (DDS) at a glance
Founded in 1971. Based in Oklahoma City, OK.
Programmes offered:
- General Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Periodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry