Top Dental Schools in Oregon: Your Guide to the Best Programs for a Career in Dentistry
Oregon is home to excellent dental education programs, ranging from doctorate degrees in dentistry (DDS/DMD) to dental hygiene and assisting programs. Whether you aspire to become a dentist, a dental hygienist, or a dental assistant, Oregon offers top-tier institutions with state-of-the-art training facilities, clinical experience, and industry connections.
The demand for dental professionals is strong, with Oregon’s growing population requiring skilled oral healthcare providers. Many schools in the state provide hands-on training, access to modern dental technologies, and partnerships with clinics and hospitals, ensuring students gain real-world experience before entering the workforce.
This guide highlights the top dental schools in Oregon, covering program details, career opportunities, and financial aid resources.
Top Dental Schools in Oregon
The Best Dental Schools in Oregon
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) – School of Dentistry
The Premier Dental School in Oregon
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is the only accredited dental school in Oregon and is regarded as one of the best in the Pacific Northwest. The OHSU School of Dentistry offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program that emphasizes comprehensive clinical training, cutting-edge research, and community service.
OHSU’s dental program is designed to prepare students for general dentistry and specialized fields, including orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. Students gain hands-on experience at the Russell Street Dental Clinic and other partner sites, working with real patients under expert supervision.
Key Highlights:
- State-of-the-art Simulation Lab: Provides hands-on practice before working on real patients.
- Community Outreach: Students participate in programs that provide dental care to underserved populations.
- Research Opportunities: OHSU is at the forefront of dental research in biomaterials, public health, and oral disease prevention.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: OHSU offers multiple merit-based and need-based scholarships, as well as financial aid programs for dental students.
OHSU School of Dentistry
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Portland Community College – Dental Hygiene Program
A Top Choice for Aspiring Dental Hygienists
Portland Community College (PCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene, preparing students for licensure as registered dental hygienists (RDH). The program provides extensive hands-on training, clinical experience, and courses in oral health education, periodontics, and radiology.
Students train in PCC’s on-campus dental clinic, gaining real-world experience in providing patient care. The program boasts high job placement rates, with graduates working in private dental offices, hospitals, and community health clinics.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: PCC offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships for students pursuing dental hygiene careers.
PCC Dental Hygiene Program
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Lane Community College – Dental Assisting and Hygiene Programs
Affordable and Career-Focused Dental Training
Lane Community College (LCC) offers both Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs, making it an excellent choice for students seeking affordable, hands-on training in the dental field.
- Dental Assisting Program (1-Year Certificate): Prepares students for entry-level positions in dental offices, covering dental procedures, radiology, and infection control.
- Dental Hygiene Program (AAS Degree): A competitive program that prepares students for licensure as dental hygienists. Students gain clinical experience at the Lane Dental Clinic, working with real patients.
LCC has a strong track record of graduate employment, with many students securing jobs immediately after completing the program.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Lane Community College provides need-based grants and scholarships for students pursuing dental careers.
LCC Dental Programs
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Oregon Institute of Technology (Oregon Tech) – Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene
A Bachelor’s Degree Path for Dental Hygienists
Oregon Tech offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, providing a more advanced education for students interested in clinical practice, dental research, and leadership roles in the field.
The program includes courses in advanced dental sciences, healthcare leadership, and patient care, preparing graduates for careers in private practice, public health, and education.
Oregon Tech’s dental clinic in Klamath Falls serves as a training ground for students, giving them hands-on experience working with patients.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Oregon Tech offers scholarships for healthcare and dental students, as well as federal financial aid options.
Oregon Tech Dental Hygiene
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Pacific University – Dental Health Science Program
A Pathway to Dental School and Public Health Careers
Pacific University offers a Dental Health Science (DHS) program, designed for students interested in pursuing careers in dentistry, dental hygiene, or public health.
This program is ideal for students planning to apply to dental school, providing a strong foundation in biology, anatomy, and oral health sciences. It also prepares students for roles in dental research, education, and community health organizations.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: Pacific University offers multiple pre-dental and healthcare scholarships.
Pacific University Dental Health Science
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Start Your Journey Toward a Career in Dentistry
A career in dentistry offers job stability, excellent earning potential, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s health and well-being. Oregon provides top-tier education programs, whether you aim to become a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant.
By choosing the right school and applying for financial aid, you can take the first step toward an exciting and rewarding profession in oral healthcare. Explore your options, gain hands-on experience, and begin your journey toward a fulfilling career in dentistry today!
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