Description

The Wy’east Dentistry Pathway is an 11-month, post-baccalaureate pathway for American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) learners who are dedicated to becoming dentists. The Pathway provides a holistic, culturally-specific framework designed to help scholars thrive in dental school and throughout their career. We recruit nationwide and scholars will receive a monthly stipend throughout the Pathway.

Program Highlights:

• Immersion in an Indigenous learning community
• Rigorous coursework in biomedical sciences, anatomy, and more
• Clinical observation and simulation clinic experiences
• Monthly stipend to help offset living expenses (~$1,200 per month)
• DAT preparation

Fun Facts:

• Each scholar receives a new iPad air, keyboard folio, and apple pencil for use during the pathway. Upon matriculation, they can choose to upgrade to the latest versions or keep their current set.
• Dentistry scholars participate in one or two 1st year dental school courses each term, along with several courses that are designed specifically for the cohort (dental anatomy, gross anatomy lab, a simulation clinic course, and shadowing experiences based on their requests). They learn how to do introductory fillings in our simulation clinic.

Application Closes: February 19, 2026. APPLY TODAY!

Join us for an Webinar on February 2, 2026.  REGISTER TODAY!

Questions or want to chat with someone from our team? Email us at wyeastdentistry@ohsu.edu

Requirements

Wy'east Dentistry Eligibility

Wy’east Dentistry is intended for individuals who were not accepted to dental school or who do not possess a qualifying DAT score for dental school.

To be eligible for the Wy’east Dentistry Pathway, the following criteria apply: 

• Must be a citizen or enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian/Alaska Native Tribe
• Degree Requirement: Although OHSU does not require a baccalaureate (B.A./B.S.) degree for admission, it is highly recommended that you plan to complete a bachelor's degree prior to matriculation.
• Grade Point Average (GPA): It is recommended that you have a minimum of 3.0 in both your cumulative overall GPA and required science/BCP (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) GPA.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to:

• Have previously applied to dental school, and/or
• Have previously taken the DAT

Wy'east Dentistry Required Pre-Requisite Courses

All courses must be completed for a grade of C or higher.   

• General Biology w/labs[1] 
  • Three quarters or two semesters
• General Chemistry w/labs[1]
  • Three quarters or two semesters
• Organic Chemistry w/labs[1]
  • Two quarters or two semesters
• Physics w/labs[1]
  • Three quarters or two semesters
• Biochemistry w/lab[2]
  • One quarter or one semester
• English Composition[3]
  • Three quarters or two semesters
• Math/Statistics[4] 
  • One quarter or one semester

[1] Courses must be completed as part of a sequence (for example 201/202/203 or 201a/201b/201c)
[2] Biochemistry lab is highly recommended, but not required
[3] One year or the minimum number of credit hours required to meet your institution’s bachelor’s degree requirement.
[4] Met with courses that satisfy your institution’s B.S./B.A. degree requirement.