Pathway Programs
It’s not too soon to get hands-on experience in the dental arts. The OHSU School of Dentistry offers programs for students considering or preparing for a career in dentistry.
- For high school and college students:
Dental Explorers
Dive Into Dentistry (currently on hiatus) - For college students:
Summit Dental Education Immersion
CHEM 199: Aspects of Dentistry
Summit Dental Education Immersion
For college students.
Summit is an intensive four-week residential immersion program designed to give you a true-to-life taste of the experience of attending dental school. It’s a unique opportunity to burnish your dental school application and understand what it takes to undergo the rigors of a DMD program.
- You’ll learn from real dental school faculty, staff, and students.
- You’ll take real tests covering real dental program material.
- You’ll receive invaluable insight about how to approach your dental school application, your education, and your professional career from people who have been there.
- On the final day of the program, you’ll receive a personalized assessment of your preparedness to enter dental school, and advice regarding your next steps.
Summit 2024 takes place from June 17 to July 12, 2024 on the OHSU School of Dentistry campus in Portland, Oregon. We’ll be accepting applications through January 31. Housing will be provided, along with a modest stipend.
We expect our roster to fill up quickly, so please submit your application soon!
Dental Explorers
For high school and college students.
OHSU’s Dental Explorers program provides participants with a general understanding of what a career in dentistry is all about. Participating high school and college students have been very enthusiastic about their experience, and many of them have successfully matriculated to dental school.
Monthly two-hour sessions are held at the School of Dentistry, with an emphasis on hands-on activities. The first hour is comprised of a lecture from dental school faculty from a variety of disciplines, while the second hour is a laboratory experience. Current dental students organize the monthly meetings and act as mentors.
- Dental Explorers 2023–2024 course schedule
- Location information: The Robertson Life Sciences Building
Dental Explorers 2023–2024 is currently in progress, and registration has closed. Registration for Dental Explorers 2024–2025 is expected to open in early October 2024.
Dive Into Dentistry
For high school and college students.
Currently on hiatus.
Dive into Dentistry is a student-run program sponsored by OHSU’s chapter of the American Student Dental Association (ASDA). Experience life as a dental student and discover dentistry by acquiring hands-on experience in crown preparation, diagnostic impressions, cast fabrication, diagnostic wax-up, and anterior restoration. Exercises and laboratory procedures directed by current faculty and students.
CHEM 199: Aspects of Dentistry
A Portland State University course for undergraduate college students.
A career exploration course offered by Portland State University and the OHSU School of Dentistry and taught by School of Dentistry faculty. This pass/no-pass course provides students an opportunity to attend faculty lectures, participate in hands-on activities, and meet with current dental students.
CHEM 199 happens spring term of 2024. Register through PSU.