Mission:

Consistent with the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, the Dental Hygiene Program advances the College’s commitment to excellence in education, patient care, scholarship, community engagement, innovation, and service.

The mission of the University of Oklahoma Dental Hygiene Program is to improve the oral and overall health of Oklahomans through excellence in education, patient-centered care, scholarship, community engagement, innovation, and service, while preparing competent, ethical, and compassionate dental hygienists who serve as leaders in the profession and advocates for the oral health of the communities they serve.

Philosophy:

The University of Oklahoma Dental Hygiene Program is committed to preparing ethical, compassionate, and highly competent oral health professionals who improve the oral and overall health of individuals, families, and communities through evidence-based, patient-centered care that emphasizes prevention, health promotion, and disease management, recognizing that oral health is an integral component of overall health and well-being.

The program values scientific inquiry, critical thinking, clinical excellence, professionalism, lifelong learning, collaboration, leadership, and service. Through integrated classroom, laboratory, clinical, research, and community experiences, and within a culture of respect, innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement, students develop the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment necessary to meet the evolving needs of the profession while advancing health equity and improving access to oral healthcare.

Revised 7.21.2026

Goals:

The following goals and objectives provide a framework for achieving the program’s mission and philosophy and are used to guide planning, implementation, assessment, and continuous improvement.

Goal 1: Education

Prepare competent, ethical, and reflective dental hygiene professionals through an evidence-based, student-centered educational program that fosters clinical excellence, critical thinking, lifelong learning, and collaborative practice.

1.1 Recruit, admit, and retain qualified students who demonstrate the potential to successfully complete the educational program and contribute to the dental hygiene profession.

1.2 Provide didactic and clinical instruction through an interactive, competency-based curriculum that is regularly evaluated and continuously improved to meet the evolving needs of the profession.

1.3 Provide didactic and clinical instruction in a positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment that promotes professional identity formation, ethical development, resilience, technical competency, and practice management skills.

1.4 Foster critical thinking, clinical reasoning, evidence-based decision-making, and lifelong learning throughout the curriculum.

1.5 Integrate biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences to support comprehensive, patient-centered care.

1.6 Incorporate intraprofessional and interprofessional education and practice into the curriculum.

1.7 Foster leadership, advocacy, professionalism, and service that advance the dental hygiene profession and improve oral health.

Goal 2: Patient Care

Provide safe, comprehensive, evidence-based, patient-centered dental hygiene care that promotes oral and overall health.

2.1 Provide high-quality, safe, efficient, comprehensive, patient-centered care in a humanistic environment that supports the College's educational and service missions.

2.2 Foster the delivery of evidence-based preventive, therapeutic, and educational dental hygiene services that improve oral and overall health outcomes.

2.3 Promote continuous quality improvement through outcomes assessment, quality assurance, reflective practice, and the use of quality improvement principles.

2.4 Prepare students to provide culturally responsive, inclusive, and patient-centered care that respects the diverse values, beliefs, needs, and backgrounds of the individuals and communities they serve.

2.5 Prepare students to demonstrate ethical decision-making, professional responsibility, accountability, and integrity in all aspects of patient care.

2.6 Prepare students to collaborate effectively with dentists and other health professionals as members of interprofessional healthcare teams to optimize patient outcomes.

GOAL 3: Research and Scholarly Activity

Foster a culture of scholarly inquiry, evidence-based practice, research, and innovation among students and faculty.

3.1 Support faculty engagement in research and scholarly activities by providing mentorship, resources, and opportunities for professional development.

3.2 Integrate research and scholarly inquiry with the educational mission of the College by providing students with opportunities for direct experience in meaningful research activities under faculty mentorship.

3.3 Create a culture in which achievements in research and scholarly activity by both faculty and students are recognized and rewarded. 

3.4 Prepare students to critically evaluate scientific literature and apply evidence to clinical decision-making.

GOAL 4: Community Service

Foster community engagement and service that improve access to oral healthcare, advance health equity, and promote oral health throughout Oklahoma.

4.1 Promote student, faculty, and staff participation in community service and professional organizations that advance oral health and public service.

4.2 Develop and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and public agencies to improve oral health education and access to care.

4.3 Provide community-based educational and clinical experiences that emphasize disease prevention, health promotion, and wellness across the lifespan.

4.4 Foster student understanding of social determinants of health, health equity, and barriers to care through service-learning and community engagement activities.

4.5 Encourage participation in outreach activities that increase access to preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare services for underserved and vulnerable populations.

4.6 Promote interprofessional community initiatives that improve the oral and overall health of the public it serves.

GOAL 5: Faculty

Provide students with highly qualified faculty while fostering a culture that supports excellence in teaching, scholarship, innovation, mentorship, and professional growth.

5.1 Recruit and retain faculty with the education, expertise, and commitment necessary to achieve excellence in teaching, clinical practice, scholarship, and service.

5.2 Foster a culture of mentoring that supports the professional growth, career development, and success of both faculty and students.

5.3 Encourage innovation in teaching, clinical education, assessment, technology, and scholarly activities to enhance student learning and patient care.

5.4 Support faculty development through continuing education, leadership opportunities, scholarship, and professional service.

5.5 Cultivate a faculty community that values diverse perspectives, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a broad range of professional expertise to enrich teaching, scholarship, and service.

5.6 Engage in continuous assessment and quality improvement to enhance faculty effectiveness, educational excellence, and program outcomes.

GOAL 6: Learning Environment and Resources

Provide contemporary learning environments, technologies, and resources that support excellence in education, patient care, research, clinical education, and innovation.

6.1 Incorporate relevant innovations in information technology and management as an integral facet of the College's goals in the areas of teaching, patient care, research, and service.

6.2 Provide students with access to contemporary technologies, equipment, and digital resources that prepare them for evolving models of dental hygiene practice.

6.3 Maintain and continuously enhance the program’s physical, technological, and educational resources to support excellence in teaching, learning, patient care, and scholarship.

Review of Mission, Philosophy, and Goals

The mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Dental Hygiene Program are reviewed annually by program faculty, with input from students, alumni, employers, and the program's advisory committee, to ensure continued alignment with the mission and strategic priorities of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, accreditation standards, and the evolving needs of the dental hygiene profession.

Revised 7.21.2026

• • • Respect the confidentiality and privacy of data.
    • Seek opportunities to advance dental hygiene knowledge through research by providing financial, human, and technical resources whenever possible.
    • Report research results in a timely manner.
    • Report research findings completely and honestly, drawing only those conclusions that are supported by the data presented.
    • Report the names of investigators fairly and accurately.
    • Interpret the research and the research of others accurately and objectively, drawing conclusions that are supported by the data presented and seeking clarity when uncertain.
    • Critically evaluate research methods and results before applying new theory and technology in practice.
    • Be knowledgeable concerning currently accepted preventive and therapeutic methods, products, and technology and their application to our practice.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE ENTRY LEVEL DENTAL HYGIENIST

Competence: That level of skills, knowledge, and values required by new graduates to begin the practice of dental hygiene.

CORE COMPETENCIES (C):  Reflect the ethics, values, skills, and knowledge integral to all aspects of dental hygiene practice.

The graduate will be able to:

Core Competencies (C)

C.1 Apply a professional code of ethics in all endeavors.

C.2 Adhere to state and federal laws, recommendations, and regulations in the provision of

oral health care.

C.3 Use critical thinking skills and comprehensive problem-solving to identify oral health care

strategies that promote patient health and wellness.

C.4 Use evidence-based decision making to evaluate emerging technology and treatment

modalities to integrate into patient dental hygiene care plans to achieve high-quality,

cost-effective care.

C.5 Assume responsibility for professional actions and care based on accepted scientific

theories, research, and the accepted standard of care.

C.6 Continuously perform self-assessment for lifelong learning and professional growth.

C.7 Integrate accepted scientific theories and research into educational, preventive, and

therapeutic oral health services.

C.8 Promote the values of the dental hygiene profession through service-based activities,

positive community affiliations, and active involvement in local organizations.

C.9 Apply quality assurance mechanisms to ensure continuous commitment to accepted

standards of care.

C.10 Communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups, serving all persons without

discrimination by acknowledging and appreciating diversity.

C.11 Record accurate, consistent, and complete documentation of oral health services

provided.

C.12 Initiate a collaborative approach with all patients when developing individualized care plans that are specialized, comprehensive, culturally sensitive, and acceptable to all

parties involved in care planning.

C.13 Initiate consultations and collaborations with all relevant health care providers to

facilitate optimal treatments.

C.14 Manage medical emergencies by using professional judgment, providing life support,

and utilizing required CPR and any specialized training or knowledge.

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention (HP)

HP.1 Promote positive values of overall health and wellness to the public and organizations

within and outside the profession.

HP.2 Respect the goals, values, beliefs, and preferences of all patients.

HP.3 Refer patients who may have physiological, psychological, or social problems for

comprehensive evaluation.

HP.4 Identify individual and population risk factors, and develop strategies that promote

health-related quality of life.

HP.5 Evaluate factors that can be used to promote patient adherence to disease prevention or

health maintenance strategies.

HP.6 Utilize methods that ensure the health and safety of the patient and the oral health

professional in the delivery of care.

Community Involvement (CM)

CM.1 Assess the oral health needs and services of the community to determine action plans

and availability of resources to meet the health care needs.

CM.2 Provide screening, referral, and educational services that allow patients to access the

resources of the health care system.

CM.3 Provide community oral health services in a variety of settings.

CM.4 Facilitate patient access to oral health services by influencing individuals or

organizations for the provision of oral health care.

CM.5 Evaluate reimbursement mechanisms and their impact on the patient’s access to oral

health care.

CM.6 Evaluate the outcomes of community-based programs, and plan for future activities.

CM.7 Advocate for effective oral health care for underserved populations.

Patient Care (PC)

Assessment

PC.1 Systematically collect, analyze, and record diagnostic data on the general, oral, and

psychosocial health status of a variety of patients using methods consistent with

medicolegal principles.

PC.2 Recognize predisposing and etiologic risk factors that require intervention to prevent

disease.

PC.3 Recognize the relationships among systemic disease, medications, and oral health that

impact overall patient care and treatment outcomes.

PC.4 Identify patients at risk for a medical emergency, and manage the patient care in a

manner that prevents an emergency.

Dental Hygiene Diagnosis

PC.5 Use patient assessment data, diagnostic technologies, and critical decision making skills

to determine a dental hygiene diagnosis, a component of the dental diagnosis, to reach

conclusions about the patient’s dental hygiene care needs.

Planning

PC.6 Utilize reflective judgment in developing a comprehensive patient dental hygiene care

plan.

PC.7 Collaborate with the patient and other health professionals as indicated to formulate a

comprehensive dental hygiene care plan that is patient-centered and based on the best scientific evidence and professional judgment.

PC.8 Make referrals to professional colleagues and other health care professionals as

indicated in the patient care plan.

PC.9 Obtain the patient’s informed consent based on a thorough case presentation.

Implementation

PC.10 Provide specialized treatment that includes educational, preventive, and therapeutic

services designed to achieve and maintain oral health. Partner with the patient in

achieving oral health goals.

Evaluation

PC.11 Evaluate the effectiveness of the provided services, and modify care plans as needed.

PC.12 Determine the outcomes of dental hygiene interventions using indices, instruments,

examination techniques, and patient self-reports as specified in patient goals.

PC.13 Compare actual outcomes to expected outcomes, reevaluating goals, diagnoses, and

services when expected outcomes are not achieved.

Professional Growth and Development (PGD)

PGD.1 Pursue career opportunities within health care, industry, education, research, and other

roles as they evolve for the dental hygienist.

PGD.2 Develop practice management and marketing strategies to be used in the delivery of oral PGD.3 Access professional and social networks to pursue professional goals.

Adopted by Faculty June 16, 2014

Faculty and student access online at

https://dentistry.ouhsc.edu/intranet/students

 

Weather conditions have varying impact on regions of the state and occasionally one or more sites may be OFFICIALLY closed. It is the student’s responsibility to determine whether his/her campus is officially closed, has altered hours of operation, or will meet for classes or clinics even if other sites are closed. All students should:

Verify whether your site is officially closed (see below). 

Check email and Canvas sites for information from specfic course directors regarding classes. 

Coures directors may choose to hold class for students whose sites are open and post a recording, cancel class, alter hours, or post an assignment. 

If your site is open and others are closed, confirm whether clinic will be held at your site even if classes are cancelled. 

Official closing notification:

OUHC: Check the OUHC website at ouhsc.edu for a weather announcement posted on the home page. You can additionally call the Weather Line at 405-271-6499.

TCTC: If the College closes or cancels classes due to weather conditions, site coordinator will call the class presidents and email TCTC students. If TCTC is open, clinic may be held even if other sites are closed; students will be notified. 

SOTC: Students will be notified of closures or delays by text, phone call, and/or email. If SOTC is open, clinic may be held even if other sites are closed; students will be notified. 

WTC: Students will be notified of closures or delays by text, phone call, and/or email. WTC may hold clinic if the Weatherford campus is open, even if OU or the main campus in Burns Flat is closed; students will be notified. 

Our greatest concern is for safety; therefore, each individual should use his or her best judgement as to whether it is safe to travel based upon individual circumstances that exist. We expect that all concerned are responsible and professional and that they will be cognizant of the problems that may ensue due to an absence. Therefore, if class, clinic, and/or rotation is being held as scheduled, but you feel it is not safe for you to travel, you MUST communicate to the following:

DENTAL HYGIENE BOARD EXAMS

*Instructions will be provided by the Dental Hygiene Program Director. 

NATIONAL BOARD DENTAL HYGIENE EXAM (NBDHE)

401 North Michigan Ave 
Chicago, IL 60611-4250 
Apply for NBDHE
800-232-1694

Date: Test date must be scheduled online through the JCNDE website. Exam must be taken during the scheduled OUCOD Spring Break and cannot interfere with any class or clinic sessions. 

Application process occurs online after notification from the Program Director.

Requires two original and current forms of identification. 

 

Regional Exam: American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX)

Phone: 301.563.3300 | Fax: 301.563.3307
Mailing Address: 1304 Concourse Drive, Suite 100 Linthicum, MD 21090

Apply for ADEX Exam

Application process occurs online after notification from the Program Director. Students must complete the application but are already scheduled for their testing site, the OU College of Dentistry.

Clinical exams: require valid, non-expired forms of signature bearing U.S. government or school issued photo identification. 

Computer-based exams: require valid, non-expired forms of signature bearing U.S. government issued photo identification. 

Results usually available in 2-3 business days, which includes both the OSCE/Computer-based and clinical exams.

 

OKLAHOMA LICENSURE 

OKLAHOMA STATE BOARD OF DENTISTRY

2920 N. Lincoln Blvd., Ste B

Oklahoma City, OK 73105

(405) 522-4844

https://oklahoma.gov/dentistry.html  

Requirements:

• Jurisprudence exam
• Passport photo
• Notarized application

DENTAL HYGIENE CLASS OFFICERS

ELECTION AND DUTIES

TERM OF OFFICE

• Student Officers will be elected fall semester junior year and will continue these elected positions through the senior year. 

ELECTION PROCESS

• The faculty advisor at each site will collect nominations, call, and preside over a class meeting for the purpose of electing officers. 
• Candidates for each office will be given two minutes to speak to their colleagues.
• Students will vote by secret ballot. 
• Votes will be counted by the site faculty advisor.

CLASS OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTIONS/DUTIES

PRESIDENT will:  1 AT EACH SITE

• Assume responsibility for representing the Site Class and act as a spokesperson for all matters that pertain to the Class. 
• Assume responsibility for representing the Site Class and act as spokesperson for the Site Class when indicated.
• Act as liaison between Dental Hygiene Program Director, Site Coordinators, and the Class.
• Be responsible for informing DH Program Director of Class activities, events, and functions. 
• Meet monthy with the DH Program Director.
• Coordinate functions and schedule locations of events for the Class with the Dental Hygiene Program, Dean’s Office, and various COD departments as necessary.
• Organize welcome event to welcome the new DHI Class (June). 
• Attend White Coat Ceremony and serve as DHII student marshals (August).
• Serve as member of the Class Executive Council.
• Serve on DH Advisory Committee. 
• Write a site commencement address.
• Provide tours to prospective students when scheduled.
• Currently hold and maintain at least a 3.00 grade point average.
• Must not have any Professional Concerns Reports on record; receiving a Professional Concerns Report will result in a meeting with the Program Director and possible removal from officer position.
• Must not have any unexcused absences; any unexcused absence will result in a meeting with the Program Director and possible removal from officer position.  

VICE-PRESIDENT/SECRETARY/TREASURER (3 in1) will: 1 AT EACH SITE

• Assume duties of the President in case of absence.
• Assist the President in organization of class functions.
• Carry out other duties assigned by the President.
• Be responsible for informing DH Program Director of Class activites, events, and functions.
• Meet monthy with the DH Program Director. 
• Serve as member of the Class Executive Council.
• Provide tours to prospective students when scheduled.
• Currently hold and maintain at least a 3.00 grade point average.
• Must not have any Professional Concerns Reports on record; receiving a Professional Concerns Report will result in a meeting with the Program Director and possible removal from officer position.
• Must not have any unexcused absences; any unexcused absence will result in a meeting with the Program Director and possible removal from officer position.  
• Work with COD Accounting Department to monitor class funds derived from the Student Activity Fee.
• Record minutes from class meetings.

Failure to perform any of the officer duties will result in removal from officer position.

DH Class Executive Council will consist of:

• Site Presidents
• Site Vice Presidents/Secretary/Treasurer (3 in 1)

Duties:

• Plan and coordinate class activities, events, and social functions (in collaboration with DHI and DHII Executive Councils from individual sites or jointly with all sites if indicated).
• Delegate class members to arrange facility, time, invitations, food, beverages, and clean up. 

DH I Student Council Representatives (2): Must be OKC site students as meetings occur at COD

Represent the DH I Class from all sites on the Student Council (STUCO).

• Attend monthly STUCO meetings.
• Volunteer as appropriate in activities organized by STUCO.
• Keep classmates and DH Program Director informed about the activities of STUCO and promote participation in its activities.

Classroom Technology Communicator:

• Student will volunteer for this position at the beginning of Semester 1. 
• Student will participate in basic classroom technology training with IT personnel. 
• Student will assist in basic classroom tecnology as needed throughout the program; e.g. unmuting Zoom audio.
• Student will contact IT for technological support that is beyond the student's basic training. 
• Student will contact Course Director or Program Director in the circumstance that immediate assisstance is not provided by IT.

Site Class Description/Duties:

• The Site Class will attend Class meetings and/or respond to Site poles organized by the Site President.
• For matters that pertain to the Class, the Class will support the Class President's leadership in representing and communicating decisions voted by the Class.

Staples Society Representative (2): Must be OKC site students as meetings occur at COD

• Attend and participate in Staples Society meetings.
• Participate as appropriate in the various activities and fundraisers of the Society.
• Keep classmates informed about activities of the Society and promote participation in Society activities. 

Yearbook Committee (1) at each site

• Responsible for collecting pictures and other information about the class for publication in the yearbook. 
• Coordinate items, photos, etc. from class to be included in the COD yearbook.

SADHA OFFICERS:

TERM OF OFFICE

• SADHA Student Officers will be elected fall semester junior year and will continue these elected positions through the senior year.

ELECTION PROCESS

• The faculty advisor at each site will collect nominations, call, and preside over a class meeting for the purpose of electing officers. 
• Candidates for each office will be given two minutes to speak to their colleagues.
• Students will vote by secret ballot. 
• Votes will be counted by the site faculty advisor.

CLASS OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTIONS/DUTIES

• See SADHA Bylaws & Constitution below: 

  CONSTITUTION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA STUDENT MEMBER ORGANIZATION

  OF THE AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION

   

  ARTICLE I – NAME

  The name of this organization shall be the University of Oklahoma Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association, hereafter referred to as “the Organization” or “this Organization”.

   

  ARTICLE II – OBJECTIVES

  The objectives of this Organization shall be to cultivate, promote, and sustain the art and science of dental hygiene, to represent and safeguard the common interest of the members of the dental hygiene profession, and to contribute toward the improvement of the oral health of the public.

   

  ARTICLE III – ORGANIZATION

  The membership of this Organization shall consist of an unlimited number of dental hygiene students who are attending the accredited program of dental hygiene at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry.

   

  ARTICLE IV – OFFICERS

  The elected officers of this Organization shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, 2 Legislative Chairpersons and Site Chairpersons for each site.

   

  ARTICLE  V -- MEETINGS

  Meetings shall be held as deemed necessary by the faculty advisors and the officers who shall determine the date, time, and place.

   

  ARTICLE VI – CODE OF ETHICS

  The Code of Ethics of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association shall govern the professional conduct of all members.

   

  ARTICLE VII – AMENDMENTS

  This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the membership provided that the proposed amendments or revisions shall have been presented in writing to the Executive Council (Chair of the Dental Hygiene Department and Officers) and Faculty Advisor(s) seven days prior to the voting.

   

   

  BYLAWS OF THE

  UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

  STUDENT AMERICAN DENTAL HYGIENISTS’ ASSOCIATION

   

  Adopted, 2001

   

  CHAPTER I – MEMBERSHIP

  Section I – Classification.  The membership of the University of Oklahoma Student American Dental Hygienists’ Association shall be classified as Active Membership.

   

  Section II – Qualifications.  The active members shall be dental hygiene students enrolled in University of Oklahoma, College of Dentistry, who are of good moral character, who possess a satisfactory scholastic standing, and who are Student Members of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association.

   

  Section III – Privileges.  Members shall be entitled to an annual membership card, a subscription to Journal of Dental Hygiene, the Access news magazine, admission to any scientific session of the Association at the current student rate, and such other services provided by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association or the Oklahoma Dental Hygienists’ Association for the benefit of student members.

   

  CHAPTER II – OFFICERS

  Section I – Number and Title.  The officers of the University of Oklahoma Student Member Organization shall be President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Legislative Chairperson and Site Chairpersons. The President shall be elected from the lead site and one Site Chairperson shall be elected at each of the three remaining sites.  The Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer and one Legislative Chairperson shall be elected from the lead site. The second Legislative Chairperson shall be from the OKC site to assist with planning.

   

  Section II – Qualifications.  Any active junior class student member who maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0 and is a member the Organization may be elected to serve as President-Elect, Vice President-Elect, Secretary/Treasurer-Elect, Legislative Chairperson-Elect or Site Chairpersons-Elect.

   

  Section III – Nominations and Elections.  President-Elect, Vice President-Elect,  Secretary/Treasurer-Elect, Legislative Chair-Elect and Site Chairpersons-Elect officers are elected during the Fall semester of their junior year by floor nominations and class vote.  The candidate receiving the majority of votes cast for each office shall be declared elected.

   

  Section IV – Tenure of Office. The President-Elect, Vice President-Elect, Secretary/Treasurer-Elect, Legislative Chair-Elect and Site Chairpersons-Elect will serve until the completion of their junior year, at which time they will automatically advance without election to the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Legislative Chairperson and Site Chairperson, respectfully.

   

   

  Section V – Vacancies.  In the event of a vacancy in one of the offices, the Executive Council (Chair of the Dental Hygiene Department and Officers) and Faculty Advisor(s) shall consider all factors which govern the situation, and shall determine the course of action.

   

  Section VI – Duties

   

• President.  The duties of the President shall be:
  • To set the date, time, and place of all meetings.
  • To preside at all meetings.
  • To call special meetings.
  • To appoint members of all committees.
  • To organize the All-Sites Community Service Project and local projects.
  • To perform such other duties as may be expected of the President or as may be provided in these bylaws.
  • To maintain communications with the faculty advisors.
• Vice President.  The duties of the Vice-President shall be:
  • To preside at all meetings in the absence of the President.
  • To assist the President as he/she deems necessary.
  • In the event that the President’s term of office is terminated, the Vice President will preside as President for the duration of the President’s term of office.
  • To assist the President in organizing the All-Sites Community Service Project and local projects.
• Secretary/Treasurer.  The duties of the Secretary/Treasurer shall be:
  • To announce all meeting information in advance to the membership.
  • To serve as secretary for all meetings and submit minutes of each meeting to the Advisor.
  • To prepare correspondence.
  • To submit news of the Organization to the school publications, and to the publications of the American Dental Hygienists’ Association and Oklahoma Dental Hygienists’ Association
  • To organize, distribute tickets and collect funds for giveaways and/or fundraisers and coordinate with faculty advisor for reporting of funds.
• OKC Site Chairpersons.  The duties of OKC Site Chairpersons shall be:
  • Assist with organizing and distributing of student chapter T-shirts
  • Organize local community service projects.
  • Organize site specific meetings.
  • Assist President as needed in organization of All-Sites Community Service Project
  • Assist officers with any other fundraising during calendar year
• Bartlesville Site Chairpersons.  The duties of Bartlesville Site Chairpersons shall be:
  • Assist with organizing and distributing of student chapter T-shirts
  • Organize local community service projects.
  • Organize site specific meetings
  • Assist President as needed in organization of All-Sites Community Service Project
  • Assist officers with any other fundraising during calendar year
• Ardmore Site Chairpersons.  The duties of Ardmore Site Chairperson shall be:
  • Assist with organizing and distributing of student chapter T-shirts
  • Organize local community service projects.
  • Organize site specific meetings
  • Assist President as needed in organization of All-Sites Community Service Project
  • Assist officers with any other fundraising during calendar year
• Weatherford Site Chairpersons.  The duties of Weatherford Site Chairperson shall be:
  • Assist with organizing and distributing of student chapter T-shirts
  • Organize local community service projects.
  • Organize site specific meetings
  • Assist President as needed in organization of All-Sites Community Service Project
  • Assist officers with any other fundraising during calendar year

•  President-Elect.

  • This officer shall advance to the office of President, without election, at the completion of the current President’s term.

•  Vice President-Elect. 
  •  This officer shall advance to the office of Vice President, without election, at the completion of the current Vice President’s term.
•       Secretary/Treasurer-Elect. 
  • This officer shall advance to the office of Secretary/Treasurer, without election, at the completion of the current Secretary/Treasurer’s term.
•       Site Chairpersons-Elect
  • This officer shall advance to the office of Site Chairperson, without election, at the completion of the current Site Chairperson’s term.

• CHAPTER III – MEETINGS

   

  Section I – Regular Meetings. Meetings shall be held as deemed necessary by the Faculty Advisors and Officers.

   

  Section II – Special Meetings.  Special meetings may be held with one-week notice to the

  members.

   

  Section III – Site Specific Meetings.  Site specific meetings may be held with one-week notice to the site members.

   

  Section IV – Quorum.  1/2 of the active members of the Organization shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

   

  Section V – Order of Business.  Unless changed by a quorum affirmative vote, the order of business at each meeting shall be:

             

• Call to Order
• Advisor’s Report
• Unfinished Business
• New Business
• Programs
• Adjournment

• CHAPTER IV – ACTIVITIES

  The Faculty Advisors and Officers shall determine the focus of activities. Proper protocol would then consist of presentation of ideas to the general membership for their discussion and approval through a majority vote.

   

  CHAPTER V – COMMITTEES

• The Presidents shall appoint members.
• Committees shall prepare goals.
• Meetings on a semi-regular basis are recommended.
• Committee activities should be presented to the general membership for their input, support, and approval.

•  

  CHAPTER VI – FINANCES

  Section I – Membership Dues. Each member shall submit dues with the online membership application.   Individual site dues will be determined and collected for the expenditures of the University of Oklahoma component at each site.

   

  CHAPTER VII – PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

  Robert’s Rule of Order Newly Revised shall govern all meetings of this Organization in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these bylaws.

   

  CHAPTER VIII – AMENDMENTS

  These bylaws may be amended upon two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the members present and voting provided that written notice has been given to the members seven days prior to voting.

CLINICAL REMEDIATION PROTOCOL

If student scores less than 75% on clinical competencies, the student must self-assess errors and undergo remediation with the assigned faculty mentor. The student must retake the competency until a score of 75% is achieved. The initial grade will stand.

When remediation is necessary, student must complete the Patient Care/Competency Remediation Agreement Form and the Remediation Self-Assessment Worksheet and turn in both to their assigned remediation faculty. 

MENTORING

Faculty Role

Provide students with guidance in:

• Professional development
• Academic and clinical concerns (Ex: monitoring of grades and clinical skills/tracking progress)
• Ethical issues

Student's Role

• Maintain regular communication with their assigned Faculty Mentor
• Preparing in advance for Faculty Mentor Meetings by:
  • setting daily and weekly goals for program progression            
  • assessing attainment of goals
  • identifying challenges to achieving goals
  • monitoring grades and clinical tracking

Goals of Meetings

• Attain and maintain regular communication between students and faculty 
• Provide guidance in areas of clinical skills, or those needing attention or development (clinical evaluation forms “A” or “N”)

Meeting requirements

• Students will be assigned a Faculty Mentor
• Mandatory meetings will be scheduled by the student 
• Meeting length will average 30 minutes-1 hour depending on need
• Mentors will advise Clinic Coordinator and/or Program Director of any deficiencies or concerns noted in meeting

NOTE: Email will not be utilized for the mentoring session.

All information pertaining to clinic (including specific rotation information) can be found in the associated clinic course on Canvas.

DH1 and DH2 Clinical Evaluation Criteria

 

The DH1 and DH2 Clinical Evaluation Criteria documents are utilized to measure clinical performance when providing patient care. The established criteria categorize the student's performance utilizing a C (Competent), A (Needs Attention), and N (Needs Development). For those students receiving a determined number of N's or A's in the same category, remediation is required with the assigned clinic faculty member and may occur in the clinic session where the error occurred. Those students will also receive a point deduction in their overall course grade. 

 

DH1s –       

1 A in any category = .5 point deduction from the final course grade

1 N in any category = Remediation with assigned clinic faculty member/1 point overall grade deduction

3 A's or 3 N's in the same category = Clinical Skills Report or Professional Concerns Report completed and signed by the faculty and student in addition to the point deduction

 4 N’s in the same category = Clinical remediation provided during patient care. This experience will not count toward clinic requirements, however, any A’s or N’s earned will be deducted from the final course grade.

 

DH2s – 

 FALL:         

1 A in any category = .5 point deduction from the final course grade

1 N in any category = Remediation with assigned clinic faculty member/1 point overall grade deduction

3 A's or 3 N’s in the same category = Clinical Skills Report or Professional Concerns Report completed and signed by the faculty and student in addition to the point deduction

4 N’s in the same category = Clinical remediation provided during patient care. This experience will not count toward clinic requirements, however, any A’s or N’s earned will be deducted from the final course grade.

SPRING:    

1 A in same category = .5 point deduction from the final course grade

1 N in any category = Remediation with assigned clinic faculty member/1 point overall grade deduction

3 A's or 3 N’s in the same category = Clinical Skills Report or Professional Concerns Report completed and signed by the faculty and student in addition to the point deduction

4 N’s in the same category = Clinical remediation provided during patient care. This experience will not count toward clinic requirements, however, any A’s or N’s earned will be deducted from the final course grade.

Cell phone use is strictly prohibited in clinic. Cell phone use for special circumstances is only allowed if faculty permission is given. Failure to comply will result in a “N” in Professionalism for Protocol Adherence. 

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

• Specified Prerequisite Coursework: 60 hours
• Program Curriculum: 69 Total Hours
  • Lab: 17 Hours
  • Clinic: 39 Hours
  • Lecture: 46
• Program GPA: Minimum of 2.5

CLINICAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS BY SEMESTER

 

 

CDH I (DH 3312) DH1 Fall Competencies Disinfection and Set-Up of the Dental Unit Area Competency EXD 11/12 and Shepherd’s Hook Explorers Competency Periodontal Probe Competency Sickle Scalers Competency Extra/Intra Exam Competency Barnhart 5/6 Competency Gracey 1/2, 11/12, 13/14 Competency Coronal Polishing Competency Topical Fluoride (Varnish) Competency		CDH II (DH 3323) DH1 Spring Completed Prophylaxis or Perio Maintenance               8                  Competencies Sealant Competency Patient Specific Dental Hygiene Care Plan (PSDHCP) Biofilm Removal Competency Calculus Removal Competency I                                  Transitional Dentition Instrument Sharpening Competency
CDH III (DH 4336 & 4331) DH2 Fall Completed Prophylaxis or Perio Maintenance             14 Completed Quads Nonsurgical Perio Therapy               4 Desensitization                                                               1 Impression/Study Cast                                                   1 Intra-Oral Camera                                                           1 Competencies/Evaluations Total Technical Competency                                  Nitrous Oxide Competency Local Anesthesia Evaluation Instrument Sharpening Competency Magnetostrictive Ultrasonic Competency Piezoelectric Ultrasonic Competency Calculus Detection Competency I Calculus Removal Competency II                         Patient Specific Dental Hygiene Care Plan            (PSDHCP) Transitional Dentition	CDH IV (DH 4446 & 4341) DH2 Spring Completed Prophylaxis or Perio Maintenance              16 Completed Quads Nonsurgical Perio Therapy                4 Desensitization                                                                1 Intra-Oral Camera                                                           1                           Competencies                            Calculus Detection Competency II                             Calculus Removal Competency III                             Transitional Dentition                                                 Mock Patient Simulation Exam Local Anesthesia Competency

CLINICAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS BY GRADUATION

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CLINICAL PROCEDURES (Cumulative from CDH II- CDH IV)
Local Anesthesia	IAN	10
	PSA	5
	MSA	3
	ASA	3
	Infraorbital (IO)	2
	Nasopalatine	2
	Greater Palatine	2
	Mental Nerve Block	2
	Infiltrations                      6
Prophylaxis or Perio Maintenance	Pediatric (<13 y/o)	4
	Adolescent (13-17 y/o)	2
	Adult (18-64 y/o) and Geriatric (65 > y/o)	36
Nonsurgical Perio Therapy	Quads Completed	8
	Re-eval of NSPT	2
Radiographs	FMX	7
	Panoramic Survey	5
Sealants		12
Desensitization		2
Air Polishing		1
Intra-Oral Camera		2
Impression/Study Cast		2
Special Needs		2
Periodontal Status
	Stage I	2
	Stage II	2
	Stage III/IV	2