Pre-Dentistry

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.

Pre-Dentistry at Portland State University (PSU) 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.

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. Interested students can discuss with a Pre-Dental advisor how these two components fit together in their course plans.

PSU 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.