Student Associations

Albert F. Staples Society

The Albert F. Staples Society is the major student-led community service organization within the OU College of Dentistry. Their mission is to provide service to both the community and to the college. Through their different committees, they aim to serve while promoting interaction among students, faculty and staff.

OK Kids Korral The Staples Society volunteered at the Oklahoma Kids Korral, a home away from home for children battling cancer and receiving cancer treatment in Oklahoma City, by The Toby Keith Foundation. The Kids Korral not only provides a home for families, but a place to play, relax and enjoy home-cooked meals, and the Staples Society had the pleasure to hang out with the families by bringing pumpkins to paint and popcorn to munch on.

Habitat for Humanity The Staples Society volunteered at the Oklahoma Kids Korral, a home away from home for children battling cancer and receiving cancer treatment in Oklahoma City, by The Toby Keith Foundation. The Kids Korral not only provides a home for families, but a place to play, relax and enjoy home-cooked meals, and the Staples Society had the pleasure to hang out with the families by bringing pumpkins to paint and popcorn to munch on.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Halloween Party The Staples Society once again hosted their annual Halloween party, where they partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma City. Children and their mentors were invited to attend and participate in cookie decorating, games, arts and crafts, and face painting.

Oral Health Fair The Oral Health Fair was back for another year, this time held at Stanley Hupfeld Academy. The Staples Society screened elementary students and even some parents, and recommended potential dental treatments. Most importantly, they taught the kids and their families the importance of oral health in ways of nutrition, general education, and how to properly brush and floss their teeth. In addition to dental screenings, families were able to receive flu shots, speak with nutritionists and eat dinner.

MLK Elementary Christmas Party Santa and his Staples Society elves visited children at MLK Elementary School in Oklahoma City. The children received toothbrushes and gifts from the dental students who volunteered.

Diversity Council

American Student Dental Association

A Day in the Life On Nov. 9, 2019, the Diversity Council provided an opportunity for students from Roosevelt Middle School to come experience “a day in the life” of a dental student. The students enjoyed preclinical activities including placing composite and amalgam, waxing a central incisor, and taking and pouring impressions on a typodont. Dr. Rhone and Ms. Beatty gave students an overview and history of dentistry, and dental and dental hygiene students were able to speak to the students about what led them to choose a career in the dental field. The event was a treat for all involved!

43 The University of Oklahoma-College of Dentistry / 2020 Magazine Unconscious Bias Training Led by Carrie McClain of the OUHSC Office of Diversity and Inclusion, the Diversity Council hosted a two-part interactive Unconscious Bias Training for Health Professions. Faculty, staff and students gathered to learn about unconscious biases such as a patient’s background, gender, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status or religious beliefs, and how healthcare providers should focus solely on a patient’s medical needs. Conference The Oklahoma chapter of the American Student Dental Association took seven members to Chicago for the National Leadership Conference this November. The conference had both general sessions and breakout sessions. For the breakout sessions, students could pick seminars pertaining to leadership, mental health, business or dental specific topics. The attendees learned from experts about how to start and run a practice, and how to be a leader in not just the dental field but in the community as a whole. They were also able to hear about how to deal with the stress of being a dentists, learn more about insurance and explore dental specific topics like trauma and implants. The students were able to bring what they learned back to the college and share their new knowledge with their peers. Through opportunities like National Leadership Conferences, members of OU ASDA are molded into superior leaders, better clinicians and strong mentors.

Pre-Dental Simulation Course This course was designed for pre-dental students to gain insight and learn, hands-on, what the clinical portion of dental school entails. More importantly, it is an opportunity to begin developing the hand skills that are necessary to succeed. Attendees got to work with various high-speed hand pieces and much more. Students who complete the course have a better idea of what it takes to be a dental student and become a more competitive applicant.

DentFest DentFest is a fun event that ASDA coordinates for students to learn more about available options in the dental industry from than 20 different vendors. Students get the chance to network, try on loupes, get free swag and much more.

Student Council

Casino Royale The sixth annual Casino Royale took place in October at the Devon Boathouse in Oklahoma City. Casino Royale is a social and interactive event featuring gaming tables, drinks, dancing, food and great prizes. Students dress up and enjoy a night of fun with classmates, friends, spouses, faculty and staff. It is one of the events students look forward to all year!

Dental Scream Student Council was proud to host one of the most thrilling events of the year, Dental Scream. Students dressed up in their craziest costumes and enjoy food, music and a costume contest. The DJ was a hit and the costume contest turned into a dancing contest, with students dancing the night away to win the gift card prize.