The University of Oklahoma Board of Regents authorised the establishment of a College of Dentistry in 1954 to respond to dental needs in underserved areas of rural Oklahoma. The first Dean, William E Brown, was recruited in 1969. The first class of 16 dental hygienists graduated in spring of 1973. Three years later, the first class of 24 dental students graduated in spring 1976. The College tie (22261 – condition, worn) is believed to date to around that time. A new dental clinical sciences building was opened in 1976.