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
