Pathway Programs

Pre-dental students learning about CAD/CAM dentistry

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.

A student enjoys working in our state-of-the-art simulation lab.

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 2025 takes place during the summer on the OHSU School of Dentistry campus in Portland, Oregon. We’ll begin accepting applications sometime in the first quarter of 2025. Housing will be provided, along with a modest stipend.

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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.

Registration for Dental Explorers 2024–25 is now open.

More information about Dental Explorers

Carving geometrically accurate models of teeth, one of our exciting hands-on lab activities

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 2025. Register through PSU.