Dentistry is the branch of the healing arts and sciences devoted to maintaining the health of the teeth, gums, and other hard and soft tissues of the oral cavity. In addition to general dentistry, there are nine recognized specialties. Dentists must have good manual dexterity while working in a very limited space. They also must be very meticulous in their attention to detail.
Students interested in becoming dentists must complete a specific set of prerequisite courses before moving on to complete four years of dental school. Many dental schools require that students complete prerequisite coursework and a minimum of three years of college prior to matriculation. However, most students entering dental school have completed four years of college and most have earned bachelor's degrees. Students can choose to pursue any major at PSU while completing their pre-dental coursework. You can discuss with your pre-dental advisor how these two components fit together in your course plans.
Portland State offers a strong pre-dentistry program that enables students to complete their prerequisite coursework, earn a bachelor's degree, and obtain assistance in preparing for and applying to dental programs.
Pre-dentistry is a professional track (not a major), but common majors for pre-dental students include Science, Biology, Chemistry, and Health Studies: Health Science. Students can choose any major while also completing their pre-dental coursework.
Prospective students interested in PSU can meet with a pre-dental advisor to learn about the pre-dental track.
Pre-Dentistry is a professional track, not a major. Students can select any major of their choice.
PSU has dedicated pre-health advisors to help students plan their coursework, support them in gaining relevant healthcare experience, and guide them through the dental school application process.
PSU offers the Aspects of Dentistry course (1 credit) which is taught every spring term to help pre-dental students better understand the field. It is taught by OHSU School of Dentistry faculty and provides an opportunity to hear from faculty, participate in hands-on activities, and meet with current dental students.
There are a very wide range of clinical and other volunteer opportunities available in the Portland area to help students better understand the role of dentists and other healthcare providers, gain exposure to different clinical settings, and boost their application to dental programs in the future.
Beyond the pre-requisite courses needed to prepare to apply to dental school.
PSU’s Health, Science, and the Earth pathway advising team offers many different workshops and events to help you in preparing to apply for dental school in the future.
Many of Portland State’s departments and schools offer student research opportunities, including Biology, Chemistry, and the School of Public Health.
PSU has the Ignite Scholarship program, developed in collaboration with Kaiser Permanente and Portland Leadership Foundation, which emphasizes a culture of support and community for students in healthcare career pathways that can sometimes be complex and overwhelming. Students who receive the Ignite scholarship will be part of a program emphasizing leadership and mentorship (supported by a $5,000 scholarship), which includes serving as mentors for incoming pre-health students.
Incoming pre-health students seeking mentorship can apply to be matched with PSU's Ignite mentors. This is a one-year commitment (fall, winter, and spring terms) for mentors and mentees.
Student organizations on campus help students to connect with peers pursuing pre-health tracks or science fields, as well as many different multicultural, social, and community involvement focused groups. Examples of student groups include the Health Promotion Student Organization, Portland State Women in STEM, Science Outreach Society, Biology Investigation and Outreach, and the Neuroscience Club at PSU.
Students who complete this program go on to complete professional degrees in dentistry and work in general dentistry or one of nine recognized specialties.