Our Mission

The objectives of Psi Omega are to maintain and advance the high standards of dentistry by instilling in its members the spirit of fraternal cooperation. The essence of this mission is captured in our fraternity’s motto, “Ψυχηι Ωφεαω” or “I benefit the soul“. In addition, Psi Omega seeks to foster the advancement of the dental profession in the realms of teaching, of practice, of research, of ethics and of jurisprudence. 

National History

Early in the spring of 1892 William Sprigg Hamilton of Georgia, a student at Baltimore College of Dental Surgery Class of 1894 conceived the idea of founding a dental fraternity. He imparted his views to J. George Schmetzer, and the two planned the organization. Hamilton wrote the original Ritual and Constitution, which were submitted and adopted on the eighth day of June 1892 in the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, the first dental college in the world.

School chapters are composed of initiated pre-doctoral dental student members of the fraternity. Alumni chapters are composed of initiated members of the fraternity who have attained a DDS or DMD and of initiated honorary members. The fraternity is composed of five regions known as provinces. Each province has a Province Councilor who has been elected by the membership. Each school chapter has an advisor known as a Deputy Councilor; the Deputy Councilor being an active alumni member. The National Council, composed of the Province Councilors, manages the fraternity. The daily management is accomplished at the Central Office.

Our Chapter History – The Zeta Kappa:

 

Our story at the University of Minnesota began in 1896 when a group of dental students from the recently formed dental school (termed “Dental Department”) decided to form a fraternity encompassing the values of professional advancement and achievement. These men formed the Lambda Chapter of Psi Omega. In 1903, low enrollment caused the chapter to close. However, the roots of Psi Omega run deep in the dental profession, and in 1918, after the Great War, the Zeta Kappa Chapter was born. 

Since our humble beginnings, the Zeta Kappa Chapter has expanded to further meet the needs of its members, the times, and the profession. Proof of this heritage can be found in the countless generations of members and alumni who are proud to call the Zeta Kappa Chapter of Psi Omega a cornerstone of their dental school experience. 

Want to learn more about the Zeta Kappa Chapter? Come on down to our iconic house on 901 E. River Parkway for a visit. We are excited to show you around!