3.3 - Student Awards, Honors, and Scholarships

The College of Dentistry is fortunate to have a great variety of scholarship opportunities available to students. Award amounts may vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars per semester, depending upon the specific award. There are typically about 70 students who receive scholarships totaling approximately $300,000.

Applicants must have the FAFSA on file for the upcoming academic term prior to submitting an application for OU College of Dentistry scholarships. Applicants must also be in good academic standing. When applying for OU College of Dentistry scholarships, applicants will be required to submit responses to a few short-answer questions. Some scholarships may prompt applicants to submit supplemental material to be considered. 

Criteria for each scholarship is dependent on each foundation account and they are allocated per year or per semester dependent on the amount. Students can find the application on Self-Service during the spring term. Refer to the scholarship link on the OUCOD website for more information.

Presented for attaining the highest academic standing during the prescribed years of study at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.

Dental Student Distinction:

Distinction recognition is given to fourth year students. No student who has been subject to disciplinary action will be granted a degree with distinction, special distinction or outstanding distinction.

Outstanding distinction: Awarded to the number one student in the graduating class. Depending on the differential of cumulative GPA, there may be two students who receive this distinction. 

Special Distinction: Awarded to the top 5% of the class.

Distinction: Awarded to the remaining 15% of the class. 

Dental Hygiene Student Distinction:

Distinction recognition is given to second year students. No student who has been subject to disciplinary action will be granted a degree with distinction or special distinction.

Special Distinction: Awarded to the top 5% of the class.

Distinction: Awarded to the remaining 10% of the class. 

There are several awards given out by Department, Division, or National Groups. The criteria is based upon performance in each of those specific courses of that Department or Division.

The awards are typically presented at the Senior Awards Ceremony prior to graduation or at the ODA Annual Meeting.

Omicron Kappa Upsilon is a national dental honorary society founded in 1914. It recognizes graduates exhibiting achievements in scholarship, exemplary traits of strong character, and professional potential.  Members receive a stole representing the society for graduation. 

Sigma Phi Alpha is a national dental hygiene honorary society founded in 1958. Membership is based upon scholarship, leadership, character, and service to the profession. Members receive a certificate and a pin representing the society for graduation.