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Programs and Degrees
Degrees Awarded by the Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) back to top
This program is directed toward the development of clinician-scholars whose career goals involve clinical teaching, research and patient care. Students satisfy didactic and clinical specialty certificate requirements, and have additional course requirements distributed among Oral Biology, Biostatistics, and Basic Medical Sciences. A written research proposal, prepared in the format of a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant, is required, along with a research experience which culminates in the preparation and defense of a thesis. The usual length of this program is 3 years when combined with clinical specialty training. The degree, Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) in Oral Biology, and the clinical specialty certificate are awarded concurrently by the Faculty of Medicine of Harvard University upon successful completion of all requirements.
MMSc Requirements:
- HSDM Oral Biology Core Courses - 12 credits
- Biostatistics course - 3 credits
- Graduate level Basic Sciences course(s) taken at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), Harvard Medical School (HMS) or Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) - 4 credits
- Courses/seminars relevant to the area of clinical training, if applicable - 12-20 credits
- Research Proposal in NIH format
- Research experience as determined by Program Director; will likely include a project, written thesis, thesis defense and presentation at Research Day
- Presentation at Postdoctoral Research Seminar Series
Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc) back to top
The goal of this program is to develop clinical scholars in Oral Biology and to prepare individuals for careers as independent investigators in translational and clinical research related to problems in oral health. The program is geared to individuals with dental degrees who are preparing for full-time academic careers in dental schools or dental research institutes. While the clinical requirements of the certificate training program remains the same regardless of the degree pursued, for DMSc candidates, the course requirements and the depth of the research experience are substantially greater, consistent with the expectations for a Harvard doctoral level research degree.
The design of the Doctor of Medical Sciences Program is directed toward the development of essential skills:
- Competency in Oral Biology as an interdisciplinary area of knowledge
- In-depth mastery of a basic scientific discipline sufficient to permit original, creative investigation of a problem in oral health
- Research expertise, under the guidance of a faculty sponsor and thesis committee, culminating in a thesis and its defense.
A minimum of eight courses in the areas of Oral Biology, Biostatistics, and Basic Medical Sciences are required. Additionally, the generation of a formal thesis proposal early in the research training period and satisfactory completion of an oral qualifying examination are expected. An independent research project is required which culminates in the preparation and defense of a doctoral thesis. The length of this program is, at minimum, 4 to 4½ years when combined with a clinical specialty, and often exceeds this time period. The degree, Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc) in Oral Biology, and the clinical specialty certificate are awarded by the Faculty of Medicine of Harvard University upon successful completion of all requirements.
Students who are interested in pursuing full-time teaching, research or administrative careers in Dental Public Health generally complete the requirement for a Masters in Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science (SM) degree at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) before applying to this doctoral level program. For these individuals, advanced coursework in quantitative methods and epidemiology is required.
Students who qualify with previous specialty training may elect to pursue the DMSc in Oral Biology without clinical specialty training (Degree-Only Program), in which the program length is typically a minimum of 3 years. In such cases the DMSc is awarded without a clinical specialty certificate. Most often, DMSc-Only candidates are assigned to the academic department or division most related to their specialty area.
DMSc Requirements:
- HSDM Oral Biology Core courses - 12 credits
- Biostatistics course - 3 credits
- Graduate level Basic Sciences courses at MIT, FAS, HMS or HSPH - 12 credits
- Courses/seminars relevant to the area of clinical training, if applicable - 12-20 credits
- Oral Qualifying Examination - to be taken upon completion of the majority of didactic requirements, approximately at the end of the second year
- Thesis Proposal - to be completed after the Oral Qualifying Examination and at least 18 months prior to the final defense of the research thesis
- Presentations (2) at Postdoctoral Research Seminar Series
- Written thesis, thesis defense and presentation at Research Day
Degrees Awarded in Conjunction with Other Schools of Harvard University back to top
Each of the programs described below require separate application to the affiliated school, such as Harvard School of Public Health or the JFK School of Government, in addition to the HSDM application.
Master of Public Health (MPH) - in conjunction with Harvard School of Public Health
The Master of Public Health program is a one-year, 40-credit program in which students may concentrate in one of several areas including international health, health care management, public management and community health, law and public health, occupational and environmental health, quantitative methods, or clinical effectiveness.
Master of Science (SM) - in conjunction with Harvard School of Public Health
The Master of Science program provides students with an understanding of the basic medical sciences and the biological aspects of public health problems. Students may enhance their skills in epidemiologic and quantitative methods in preparation for research or academic careers. In addition to epidemiology and statistics courses, students study may select from a number of fields of study. The usual length of this program, when combined with clinical training at the School of Dental Medicine, is 3 years, depending upon the area of concentration.
Doctor of Science (SD) - in conjunction with Harvard School of Public Health
The Doctor of Science is offered by Harvard School of Public Health. Applicants are expected to compete the MS program at the School of Public Health before being granted admission to doctoral study. Candidates must complete 20 credits of coursework in one major field and 10 credits in two minor fields as well as courses in introductory epidemiology and intermediate biostatistics. In addition, candidates are required to successfully complete the oral qualifying examination, a program of independent and original research, and defense and presentation of an acceptable thesis.
Doctor of Public Health (DPH) - in conjunction with Harvard School of Public Health
Applicants to the Doctor of Public Health program must hold or be in progress toward the MPH degree or its equivalent. Once admitted to the program, DPH candidates are subject to the same requirements as candidates for the SD degree. When combined with a clinical training program at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, the program is usually at least 4 years.
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - in conjunction with Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
The Biological Sciences in Dental Medicine (BSDM) program provides scientific training across disciplines including genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular and cellular biology, and developmental biology. Applications for admission are accepted from individuals who have received a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, as well as from dentists who are seeking to pursue careers involving discovery-level science.
Master of Public Policy (MPP) - in conjunction with Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government
The Master of Public Policy degree is awarded by the John F. Kennedy School of Government to students who successfully complete a program in a specialty or advanced training area at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, combined with the study of government or public policy. The usual length of this program is 4 years.
Specialty Training Programs
Dental Public Health
Endodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (Massachusetts General Hospital)
Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry (Childrens Hospital)
Periodontology
Prosthodontics
Advanced Training Programs
Dental Informatics
General Practice Residency (Cambridge Health Alliance)
General Practice Residency (Brigham and Women's Hospital)
Geriatric Dentistry
Oral Biology
Oral Epidemiology
Oral Implantology
Oral Medicine
Orofacial Pain and Temporomandibular Disorders
Program Components back to top
Specialty and advanced graduate training programs at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, as well as the hospital-based residency programs, consist of four components in varying proportions: clinical training and patient care; didactic coursework; teaching responsibilities; and research training. Each of these components is described in general below and may be emphasized to a greater or lesser degree in any given program.
Clinical Training and Patient Care
Clinical aspects of specialty training programs are under the direct guidance of the Program Director who is responsible for facilitating the student's acquisition of high level diagnostic and technical skills. All clinical specialty programs at Harvard School of Dental Medicine satisfy the educational requirements of the appropriate specialty board and graduates will receive a specialty certificate.
Didactic Component
Formal coursework and seminars are a required component of all degree programs at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Considerable variation exists in the selection of courses depending upon the specific program in which a student is enrolled and upon a student's career goals. All advanced graduate students must elect a minimum of twelve credits from the Oral Biology Core Course Series taught by HSDM faculty. Students may place out of individual Oral Biology courses and substitute additional basic science courses to meet the credit requirements of their programs, subject to prior approval by the Director of Advanced Graduate Education.
Students must also take discipline-related courses and seminars which are offered by the department in which they are training, as well as an approved course in biostatistics. Additionally, students are required to take four additional course credits for the MMSc degree and twelve additional course credits for the DMSc degree in graduate level basic sciences. These additional courses may be taken at Harvard Medical School, Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Harvard School of Public Health, or the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Courses on biostatistics, epidemiology, health care management, and related topics are also offered at the Harvard School of Public Health. (Prerequisites may apply to some courses.)
Teaching Responsibilities
In most programs, a limited amount of teaching in the Student Teaching Practice or in Problem-Based Learning tutorials is required. Please refer to the individual program descriptions for more information.
Research Training
Harvard School of Dental Medicine considers the generation of new knowledge to be an integral part of the education of future leaders in the field of dental medicine. In recognition of this goal, advanced graduate degree candidates are required to explore and develop interest in a special field, resulting in the completion of independent research and presentation and defense of a thesis. Research is not restricted specifically to dental topics, but more broadly includes work in any field of biomedical science or health care delivery research - including biostatistics, epidemiology, public health and public policy. Each graduate fellow must select a sponsor and topic for independent research which culminates in the awarding of the respective degrees.
Application
Application Procedures back to top
The application form for the AGE clinical specialty and research degree programs based at Harvard School of Dental Medicine is available here to download. To view these forms, use Adobe Acrobat Reader. On-line application processing is not available at this time.
Please mail all materials to:
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Office of Admissions - AGE
188 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Application Deadlines back to top
Application deadlines for AGE programs vary for each program and are specified in the individual program descriptions. Applicants are strongly advised to send all materials as early as possible to permit a thorough and timely review of each application. Applications must be complete in order to be reviewed.
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A complete application includes the following items:
| A one-page, comprehensive statement in which you provide your immediate and long-range career plans, including how this period of education will contribute to your ability to develop as a leader in the dental profession. Describe a research area which you might like to pursue in your course of study and explain your reasons for selecting the program to which you are applying. |
| 3. Evaluation Forms, Letters of Evaluation, Other Reports and Materials |
| A. Dean's evaluation form and letter (1)
The Dean of the dental school which you attended must complete the Dean's Evaluation Form in its entirety, and write a letter of evaluation regarding your character and suitability for the program. These must be placed in a sealed envelope with the Dean's signature across the flap.
B. Faculty Evaluation Forms and Letters of Evaluation (3)
The Faculty Evaluation Forms should be given to three dental school faculty. At least one letter should be from a senior faculty member, a former research supervisor or a basic scientist. Each evaluator must fill out the form in its entirety and write a separate letter of evaluation regarding your character and suitability for the program. These must be placed in a sealed envelope with the evaluator's signature across the flap.
The Office of Admissions recommends that applicants include all four letters of evaluation with the application. However, letters will be accepted if sent under separate cover. An incomplete form or missing letter may result in the delay of the review of your application.
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4. Official Transcripts
A complete official transcript of records from the college which awarded your undergraduate degree as well as from any dental, medical or graduate school you attended is required. If your transcript is in a language other than English, please have it translated into English and certified by a licensed credentialing service. Transcripts may be sent directly from the university registrar or by the applicant (with the rest of the application). Transcripts sent by an applicant must be official and in a sealed envelope. Copies and faxes will not be acceptable.
5. Official National Board of Dental Examiners Report
An official NBDE Report is required. Contact the American Dental Association to have a report sent directly to the Admissions Office. Foreign-educated dentists are not required to take the NDBE.
6. Application Processing Fee of $60
Checks or money orders (in U.S. funds) should be made payable to Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Checks must have the applicant's full name, phone number and U.S. Social Security number (if applicable) marked on them.
7. Mailing Labels
Provide one mailing label for each of the individuals who will be submitting letters of evaluation on your behalf.
8. Official TOEFL Score Report
Applicants from countries in which English is not the primary language, must provide an official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score report. International students must possess sufficient facility to comprehend, speak and write English in order to interact with patients, understand lectures, actively participate in seminar discussions, take examinations and write the research thesis.
These applicants must obtain a score of 250 or higher on the computer-based TOEFL, 600 on the paper TOEFL exam or 100 on the internet-based TOEFL. Scores on the 4 sections of the internet-based exam should not vary significantly. The TOEFL is administered frequently throughout the year. For more information contact:
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Box 899
Princeton, NJ 08540 USA
If international students who have otherwise been considered acceptable for admission into a program cannot demonstrate English language proficiency, the School will be unable to authorize the necessary student visa for study in the United States. The same rules apply to international students who are already in the United States when application is made.
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Screening and Selection back to top
After preliminary review of the application and supplementary materials by Program Directors, competitive candidates are invited for an interview and a visit to the School. Candidates are interviewed by the Program Director and key departmental faculty, with emphasis on ascertaining the applicant's academic abilities, character, and career goals. Each applicant who is invited for interview is given the opportunity to become acquainted with the program, as well as with students and faculty, resources of Harvard University and the Greater Boston area.
The selection of students is based on a total appraisal of the suitability of the candidate for the program to which s/he has applied. Applicants are evaluated, following the interview, by departmental faculty, with secondary review by the Committee on Advanced Graduate Education. Factors such as academic achievement, clinical performance in dental school, NBDE scores, letters of evaluation and personal qualities are weighed in the decision. Equally important, the Committee considers the applicant's motivation to pursue advanced training, research experience, extracurricular interests and activities, and leadership potential. Selection of students is made without restriction based on race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, financial resources, age or residence.
Harvard does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Consistent with Harvard's Affirmative Action Program, women and under represented minorities are encouraged to apply.
Notification of Acceptance back to top
Applicants are contacted by the department to which they applied beginning in November. Notification of acceptance to programs requiring dual admission occurs somewhat later than those administered by HSDM alone.
Deposit back to top
Applicants who accept the offer of admission are required to make a non-refundable deposit of $500 to hold a place in the entering class. This deposit is credited toward the first tuition payment. Accepted students are awarded an annual appointment as a Research Fellow of Harvard University in the appropriate clinical department. Appointments are renewable yearly and are contingent upon satisfactory progress through the program.
Contact Information back to top
Write:
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Office of Admissions, Advanced Graduate Education
188 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
Phone: 617.432.3964
Fax: 617.432.3881
Email: hsdm_age_admissions@hsdm.harvard.edu
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