General Dentistry, D.D.S.

The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry offers a 4-year Doctoral of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree program, which is among the best clinical educational programs in the nation.

The training that leads to a D.D.S. degree is a combination of didactic (theoretical) education, preclinical coursework, and progressive clinical patient care experiences.

Championing development of the care, skill and judgment necessary to become competent dentists who deliver seamless and integrated care to patients is at the core of the education and training experience we offer. This begins in the first year, during which students have the opportunity to interact with patients and provide appropriate limited care, and it expands steadily as they progress through the curriculum.

• Pre-Dental Courses
• How to Apply

Our dental program is intense and demanding. 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.

For a list of first, second, third and fourth year courses, see accordion menu below.

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 (9) 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. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tulsa program.

Breana Boger, MS
Director of Admissions & Recruitment
College of Dentistry Office of Admissions & Student Affairs 
1201 N. Stonewall, RM-510 Oklahoma City, OK 73117 
Phone (405) 271-8001 ext. 57627
E-mail: Breana-Boger@ouhsc.edu

Heidi Martin
Student Program Coordinator 
College of Dentistry Office of Admissions & Student Affairs 
1201 N. Stonewall, RM-510 Oklahoma City, OK 73117 
Phone (405) 271-3530 
E-mail: Heidi-Martin@ouhsc.edu