#  About HSDM 

 



#  About HSDM 

At Harvard School of Dental Medicine, we foster a community of leaders committed to advancing dental care and promoting the principle that oral health is essential to overall well-being. Together, we strive to make a lasting, positive impact on society.



 

 [  arrow\_forward  Explore our academic programs ](/academics) [  arrow\_forward  Discover student life ](/student-life) [  arrow\_forward  Visit the Harvard Dental Center ](/patients) 

 

      ![Two students walk through a bright campus lobby near a wall display highlighting the history of Harvard School of Dental Medicine.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_3__1540x1160/public/2026-01/0041_HSDM_Fall2025_041.JPG?h=55a45ed3&itok=uy6hyJcD) 

 

 



 

 



### Our commitment to excellence 

 

Located in Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) leads in dental education, research, and patient care. HSDM was founded in 1867 and has the distinction of being the first dental school in the U.S. to be part of a university and its medical school, and the first to confer the DMD degree.

- **Mission, vision, and values:** HSDM's mission is to foster a community of diverse global leaders in education, research, and clinical innovation dedicated to improving human health by integrating dentistry and medicine. Our vision is to transform access to healthcare and advance science to prevent and find cures for oral diseases and conditions. We are guided by our core values of inclusion, diversity, innovation, excellence, respect, integrity, and compassion.
- **Research excellence:** HSDM faculty have made groundbreaking discoveries in dental and craniofacial research. With over 200 faculty members, our research and teaching extend beyond campus through affiliations with prestigious hospitals and research institutes.



 





 

 

 

 

 

##  Inspiring leadership in oral heath 

 





 

 

 



 

 

 

##  Why is HSDM different? 

 



   ![A group of femaie students in white coats standing and talking](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-09/Student%20Focus_New%20students%20mingling%20%281%29.jpg?h=983da4e3&itok=6L1l5bh5) 

 



 

 [### Integration of dentistry & medicine

 ](https://oralhealth.hsdm.harvard.edu/)Experience a comprehensive dental education at HSDM. In their first year, DMD students attend Harvard Medical School, gaining a well-rounded understanding of oral and overall health.



 

 

   ![Two people working with syringes in a lab](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-11/0290_20240617_Harvard_Dental_290.JPG?itok=hUUTpJQN) 

 



 

 [###  Research excellence

 ](/research)Discover HSDM's dedication to cutting-edge research in oral biology, bioengineering, and clinical innovation, and enriching opportunities for collaboration with research centers within Harvard’s Longwood Medical campus.



 

 

   ![Students casually dressed stand in front of a brightly painted mural.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2024-09/Costa%20Rica%20fieldtrip%20%282%29.jpg?itok=ZB_TgoTO) 

 



 

 [### Leadership & social impact

 ](/news/taking-lessons-field-heart)Join a diverse and active community committed to global leadership and social impact in dental education and research, guided by top faculty experts.



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

##  Our history 

 



### A tradition of excellence and innovation 

 

Learn more about the rich legacy of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, established in 1867. Learn about its groundbreaking integration with Harvard Medical School, innovative research, and transformative education programs that continue to shape the future of dentistry.



 [ Explore our history arrow\_forward ](/history) 

 



      ![Clinic1952](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/dental/files/clinic_1952_banner_0.jpg?itok=fD9q92JI) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

 

##  Explore further 

Get to know the Harvard School of Dental Medicine better. Discover insights about our community, opportunities, and how we can connect.



 

 



 [  arrow\_forward  Leadership and board ](/leadership) [  arrow\_forward  Administrative offices ](/offices) [  arrow\_forward  Careers at HSDM ](/careers-hsdm) [  arrow\_forward  Contact us ](/contact-us)