Oregon Health & Science University

Oregon Health and Science University School of Dentistry is on the cutting edge of the dental field. With a huge emphasis on evidence-based dentistry, a brand new school, rigorous training with today's latest technology (including CAD/CAM, stereolithography file manipulation, and implant technology), and numerous visits from outside dental technology representatives(i.e. implant company representatives), we have a great opportunity to become immersed quickly and completely in the dental field as... Read More students at OHSU. The first year of school includes a vast and in-depth review of the basic sciences including clinical anatomy, head and neck anatomy, histology, microbiology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, immunology, and pathology. In addition, first-year students dive into operative dentistry, periodontics, and removable/fixed prosthodontics in a simulation lab by practicing on mannequins with plastic teeth. The second year refines the clinical skills and incorporates many treatment planning exercises to prepare for the live-patient clinic in the third and fourth years. The third and fourth years are dedicated to clinical work with live patients, in addition to continued study in the clinical sciences. These years dedicate time to external rotations in which dental students have the opportunity to travel to a rural clinic and practice dentistry with more autonomy (but with supervision). This allows them to get an idea of real-world dentistry, especially with managing more patients in a day and having multiple chairs occupied at one time. This is a unique experience that not many dental schools have! Some graduates decide to continue their education in a specialty residency, but all graduates from OHSU are clinically ready and confident in their ability to provide oral care to a diverse patient population in the fast-changing world of dentistry!