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The Division continually runs both formal and informal teaching exercises for all of these groups. We believe that effective teaching is both a science and art, and that teachers must study and practice teaching as well as the subject matter of their discipline in order to achieve excellence. Graduate students are encouraged to learn about teaching techniques and will have the opportunity to give presentations to faculty and peers throughout the year. We believe, however, that we should not burden graduate students with excessive teaching obligations at the expense of time needed for their own training, study and research. Students are offered the opportunity to present lectures to undergraduate students and to moderate discussion groups in all of the courses that are taught by the division. Assignments are made according to students' interest and available time. Course design and overall implementation remain the responsibility of the faculty. Students with specific interest in teaching are offered increasing opportunity for participation, and may take part in formal teaching programs run for faculty development both at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and at the Harvard Medical School.
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Research:
The Division of Oral Medicine is committed to providing excellent research training as part of its posdoctoral program. Students in Oral and Medicine at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine are enrolled in one of two degree programs: Doctor of Medical Science degree (DMSc) or Master of Medical Science degree (MMSc). An original research project is part of the requirements for the Doctor of Medical Science degree. All students are encouraged from the first year to familiarize themselves with the scope of research opportunities available to Harvard postdoctoral students, and are given opportunities to identify a project that is suited to their individual interests and needs. By the middle of the second year, students are expected to identify a research mentor and to begin their research activities. Research occupies an increasing portion of the students' time after the beginning of the third year, although such activities as departmental histopathology seminar continue to take up one half-day per week. Costs of research equipment, reagents and facilities are funded through the support mechanisms of the research sponsors. Students are also encouraged to present their research at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Medicine. The student is expected to prepare and defend a thesis summarizing his/her research project in order to qualify for the awarding of the degree. The completion of the requirements for the Master of Medical Science degree in the Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity can be expected to take three to four years of full time activity, while the Doctor of Medical Science degree requires four to five years. |
