By Richard Stephens, Jr. staff writer
Lula Simmons of Midwest City loves being a Dental Hygienist. She continues in her profession 47 years after graduating Oscar Rose Junior College (renamed Rose State College) with a Dental Hygiene Associate in Applied Science degree in 1979 – the first black person to do so. At age 73, she isn’t done yet.
Career Trajectory
May 11, 1979. Graduation day. Since then, Mrs. Simmons has worked continuously. Full-time work at five dental offices, including St. Anthony Hospital, OKC, for 17 years and Dental Depot for 11 years. She supported four doctors on weekends too, including Dr. Sandra Windsor, OKC, 10 years, and Dr. Robert Warren, OKC, 13 years .Somehow, Mrs. Simmons also earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma.
Customer Care
Her oral hygiene and customer service skills are in constant demand as a full-time employee at Midwest City’s Dental Depot. Jonathan Jones, Office Manager, relies on those, her work ethic, and ability to mentor and motivate the staff.
Demanding Profession
Every technician sees an average of 14 patients a day (every 30 minutes); the office serves 300 patients a month. Earning a Registered Dental Hygienist license in Oklahoma takes study and will power. Currently, students must attend an accredited Dental Hygiene School, take two lengthy exams and submit a licensing application with three letters of recommendation. Top that off with 20 hours of continuing education every two years.
Mentoring and Molding Staff
When he was new to Dental Depot, Jones benefited from Mrs. Simmons’ mentorship. “Ms. Lula…took me under her wings and showed me how to do things…she was very patient with me; showed me the difference in procedures and the importance of patient care.”
Mrs. Simmons trains dental hygiene students from OU and Rose State. Jones said, “They’ll work as her assistant under her. She can train in that manner…it’s more like making sure she has everything, seeing what she does, how she does it.”
Hygiene Assistant Dede Mason said, “If I’m having a hard day, she reassures me it’s going to be okay. She calms me down. She is the one who everyone goes to for reassurance.”
Family Life
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1952, Mrs. Simmons graduated from Caruthersville High School, Missouri, in 1971. She married Kenneth in 1973 and they transferred to Tinker AFB in 1975. “I chose Rose State because my husband was stationed here.”
After completing one year of basic college classes, Mrs. Simmons entered Oscar Rose’s Dental Hygiene Program. She studied human physiology, anatomy, dental hygiene, radiography, periodontics and more.
Married, mother of three girls and one boy with a part-time job, and going to school full-time; it was a busy period for Mrs. Simmons. She studied at night. “I wanted it bad.”
When his seven-year enlistment ended in 1979, Ken Simmons joined civil service at Tinker AFB. After earning a Management of Information Systems degree, he promoted and became an Operations Researcher. Their standard – education and hard work – ensured they provided for their family.
Ken and Lula carved out family time too. She sewed clothes for her girls. Ken emailed, “the kids were active in sports: baseball and track, cheer leading and music. Education being a primary focus. Church was a priority for the family.”
In her off time, Mrs. Simmons is Secretary of the Usher Committee and Health Ministry and President of the Deaconess Committee (outreach) at First Baptist Church Of Hicks Addition, Spencer. She participates monthly as a “Red Hatter,” a women’s social group. Ken and Lula spend time with their seven grandchildren and one great-grandson. “He’s 8 years old and he’s such a joy. He’s a hoot.”
Why keep working?
Mrs. Simmons enjoys working, especially with young people, and wants to keep up with technology. “I like helping other people, but like I said, the main reason is I just get enjoyment from what I do. And helping other people.” Ken supports her working and said, “She has a very unique skill set which allows her to mentor younger co-workers. I truly support that.”
Are you seeing her for teeth cleaning or a crown molding? Sit and relax – you’re in good hands.
*Postscript. Lula Simmons cleaned the author’s teeth in August 2025. Impressed with her excellent oral hygiene care, he asked if she would tell her story.
