Student Organizations

Spea

The Student Professionalism and Ethics Association is committed to promoting educational events related to ethical situations and dilemmas. Last year, SPEA hosted Dr. Krista Jones for a lunch-and-learn about the mediation resource that the ODA provides to Oklahoma dentists. She spoke about different ethical dilemmas we may face, and how to handle them using this resource. Students learned how beneficial this resource along with the other resources and benefits the ODA provides. This fall, SPEA is hosting Dr. Faram and Dr. Higgins for our annual “Cases that Haunt You” lunch-and-learn for Halloween to learn about interesting cases they have faced and how they handled them.

Nsrg

The Oklahoma Chapter of the National Student Research Group is actively encouraging students to get involved in research. Students involved and sharing their research help not only the student learn something above the typical education, but also contributes to the global knowledge that could lead to a new invention or solutions to problems many people face, not just on our campus. We are proud to encourage hygiene and dental students to apply for the Student Research Program to fund their research. This program enables students to have a research topic funded, work closely with a faculty mentor, and present their projects. Students have had opportunities to present at International Association of Dental Research conference, and at Scientific Day.

To support students being involved in research, we host various activities such as guest speakers who discuss various topics such as writing research papers, opportunities to get involved in research, and encouraging students to attend research conferences. These meetings are open to all students interested in dental research, not just dental or dental hygiene students. We had a successful table at the student vendor fair, where we handed out tooth magnets and information on how to get involved in research. Our group is looking forward to growing and encouraging more students to be involved at research and continue to be lifelong learners.

Albert F. Staples Society

COVID has dramatically affected every aspect of our lives, including community services and volunteer opportunities. Albert F. Staples Society has been actively pursuing to provide services to the neighboring community around OUHSC and in the College of Dentistry amid the pandemic and the restrictions that come with it. Through the dedication of each and every committee that makes up the organization, and the combined efforts of the staff, faculties and students, we were able to sustain most of the events we have each year.

Fall semester is typically when most events are held. We participated in OKC Kids Korral Trunk or Treat Event during Halloween Season. This is a perfect time to make life more fun and put a smile in the faces of the children with cancer and their families who are staying at the OKC Kids Korral facility.

We were also able to experience the joy of giving by celebrating Christmas with Martin Luther King Elementary School by sending them the gifts that we collected for their students. It is truly a wonderful time of the year!

Our constant partnership with Habitat for Humanity has not been affected by the pandemic. Volunteers were still able to participate with building and the construction of houses. In addition, Easter Celebration with Big Brothers and Big Sisters Foundation was also a success. The Children and their mentors and even the student volunteers had loads of fun with doing Easter egg hunt at Scissortail Park.

These events posed amazing opportunities for the student volunteers to have meaningful interaction with people in the community, the interaction which had been halted due to the pandemic. By slowly going back to the community to provide services is our way to show our neighbors that we see them and we care for them. Staples Society together with OU College of Dentistry will continue to be a vessel of blessings to the people who are in need.

Student Council

Student Council had the joy of hosting their annual summer volleyball tournament. This event was a great way for students to end their summer semester with some fresh air and healthy competition. For those who did not wish to play, it was still a great opportunity to socialize outside of class and cheer on their classmates. We have not met a dental student yet who does not enjoy competing, free food and prizes.