On behalf of the Kappa Lambda Chapter of Omicron Kappa Upsilon (OKU), I want to welcome you to the Georgia Health Sciences University College of Dental Medicine OKU web page. OKU is the national dental honor society with chapters in all U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools. It is Dentistry’s Phi Beta Kappa.

The Kappa Lambda Chapter is very active in supporting student scholarship and achievement. During the academic year, many students are recognized by this chapter with certificates and scholarship awards. Examples of recognition by OKU follow- The top 20% of the senior and junior class (by GPA) receive Certificates of Academic Achievement. The two senior students with the highest GPAs receive the Emile Fisher OKU Scholarship Awards. The junior and sophomore students with the highest GPA receive scholarship awards. The students receiving the highest scores on Parts I and II of the National Boards receive scholarship awards in addition to the senior student with the best comprehensive patient case presentation. We also sponsor an award for a junior student that is selected by their classmates for their professional character.

Membership in OKU is by election. Each year we elect Alumni Members from the graduating senior class. To be eligible for membership, candidates must rank academically in the top 20% of the class. From this group, a number equal to 12% of the senior class may be voted into membership and inducted into OKU just prior to graduation. Invitations for membership are based on GPA, extracurricular activities and professional conduct. Each year we also elect one honorary member who may or may not be a dentist, and one faculty member. Their election is based on significant contributions to the art and science of dentistry. To read more about OKU refer to the website at www.oku.org.

A banquet is held annually at the end of the school year to celebrate our new members. New members are guests of OKU for an evening of dinner and recognition. This is an elegant evening in which new members are encouraged to invite guests and family to celebrate their induction.

Please browse the site for more information on our activities.

Expectations of Health Care Professionals

 Healthcare Professionals have Specialized Skills & Knowledge, an obligation to Life-long Education, Codes of Ethical Conduct, and a commitment to enhancing the Greater Community Good or Interest through Service and Leadership. Society empowers us in ways that very few other groups can imagine. Accordingly, we owe it to society to do right, give our best and be compassionate. OKU recognizes excellence in scholarship and character in the dental profession.