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 sixty participants and is reserved on a first-come first-served basis. Applications are available online. A complete application including consent forms, a confidentiality statement and a $70 fee must be received to reserve a space. A waiting list will be maintained for students with complete applications received after the first sixty spaces have been reserved. Students will be notified as space becomes available.

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.