Dental Explorers
Learn what a career in dentistry has to offer
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.
Space is limited to fifty participants. Applications will be available online. Preference will be given to high school students. A waiting list will be maintained for students with complete applications received after the first fifty spaces have been awarded. Students will be notified as space becomes available.
Registration
The following documents will be required during the application process:
- A participant consent form
- A medical consent form
- A confidentiality statement
- A media release
- A $15 application fee, payable online
For those who are selected to participate in the program, there will be an additional $70 registration fee.
Registration for Dental Explorers is currently closed. We expect to begin accepting applications for the 2026–27 program around the beginning of October 2026.
Course information
Receiving academic credit
In some cases, completion of the Dental Explorers class may be used towards high school course requirements, but this should be prearranged with the participant’s high school. OHSU and the School of Dentistry do not issue academic credit towards high school diplomas. Students seeking academic credit towards high school coursework or a letter of completion are allowed no more than one absence over the duration of the course before any form verifying completion is signed or a letter of completion is composed.
Masking advisory
Please note that masks are required at all times in clinical spaces at OHSU. In non-clinical environments, masks are recommended but not required.
Although full vaccination against COVID-19 is no longer required, it is highly recommended.
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