# DMD-Dual Degree Program ## DMD-Dual Degree Programs HSDM's dual degree programs combine world-class dental education with advanced research training, preparing graduates to lead in academic dentistry, biomedical research, and clinical innovation. Students can pursue either a DMD-PhD or DMD-DMSc pathway while earning their Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. ![two students in lab in front of a microscope looking at slides](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_3__1540x1160/public/2026-06/0266_20240617_Harvard_Dental_266.JPG?h=518de83b&itok=IP33If1u) ## Advance oral health through research and discovery Combine a Harvard dental education with advanced research training and prepare for a career as a dentist-scientist, educator, clinician-researcher, or academic leader. HSDM offers two dual degree pathways: - **DMD-PhD**—for students interested in basic, translational, and interdisciplinary research - **DMD-DMSc—**for students focused on translational and clinical research in oral biology and medicine Both programs integrate dental education with rigorous research training and mentorship from leading faculty across Harvard and its affiliated institutions. ## Why pursue a dual degree? Dual degree students receive the same rigorous dental education as DMD students while developing advanced research expertise. Graduates are prepared to: - Lead academic and research programs - Advance discoveries in oral and craniofacial biology - Translate scientific findings into clinical practice - Shape the future of dental education and patient care - Pursue careers in academia, industry, government, and healthcare innovation ## Compare your options Sort DMD-PhDDMD-MScFocus Basic, translational, and interdisciplinary research Translational and clinical research Graduate program [Harvard PhD Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS)](https://Harvard%20PhD%20Program%20in%20Biological%20and%20Biomedical%20Sciences%20(BBS)) [Oral Biology](/oral-biology-research "Oral Biology Research") Approximate length 8 years 7 years Ideal for Future principal investigators, academic researchers, and scientist-clinicians Academic clinicians, clinical investigators, and translational researchers airline\_stops [### Choose your path ](#path) add\_to\_home\_screen [### Apply ](#apply) email [### Contact us ](#contact) STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ### Rakeem Yakubu, DMD–DMSc Candidate Rakeem Yakubu discovered early on how research and patient care intersect to improve lives. That experience, guided by a mentor, inspired him to pursue Harvard’s dual-degree DMD–DMSc program. [Learn how Rakeem's research bridges dentistry and cancer care east](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyD462KMyfE) ![student next to a poster](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-08/Poster%20session.jpg?h=70d03b63&itok=MN-_ShsN) ### Choose your path DMD-PhD DMD-DMSc ## DMD-PhD ### Conduct research across Harvard's biomedical ecosystem The DMD-PhD program is designed for highly qualified students interested in rigorous research in oral and craniofacial biology and related biomedical sciences. Students complete their PhD through Harvard's Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) Program, the same graduate umbrella program that supports the Harvard Medical School MD-PhD pathway. Students work with faculty at HSDM, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard-affiliated hospitals. #### Program highlights - Integrated DMD and PhD curriculum - Research opportunities across Harvard and affiliated hospitals - Faculty mentorship from leading investigators - Preparation for careers in academic dentistry and biomedical research **Timeline:** Approximately 8 years ## DMD-DMSc ### Advance clinical and translational research The DMD-DMSc program prepares future academic leaders in dental medicine with advanced research training focused on oral and craniofacial biology and medicine. The DMSc component aligns with HSDM's Oral Biology Research Program and provides intensive research training designed to bridge scientific discovery and patient care. #### Program highlights - Focus on translational and clinical research - Mentorship from HSDM faculty researchers - Strong foundation in oral biology - Preparation for academic and research-focused careers **Timeline:** Approximately 7 years ## Program timeline Explore how each dual degree pathway combines dental education with advanced research training, from foundational coursework through dissertation research and clinical practice. ### DMD-PhD program timeline expand\_more ![DMD-PhD timeline](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/DMD-PhD%20timeline-REV2.jpg) --- #### Phase 1: DMD curriculum (years 1–2) Students complete DMD coursework and research at HMS and HSDM. Students also participate in lab rotations. #### Phase 2: PhD research training (~ 4 years) Students complete graduate coursework, continue clinical education opportunities, conduct research, meet with their advisory thesis committee, submit papers, and complete the PhD thesis defense. #### Transition back to clinic Before returning to full clinical education, students complete a reintroduction to clinical skills. #### Phase 3: Clinical education (years 3–4 of the DMD program) Students complete clinical education requirements and graduate with both degrees. ### DMD-DMSc program timeline expand\_more ![DMD-DMSc program timeline](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/2026-06/DMD-DMSc%20timeline-rev.jpg) --- #### Phase 1: DMD curriculum (years 1–2) Students complete DMD coursework and research at HMS and HSDM. Students also participate in lab rotations. #### Phase 2: DMSc research training (~ 3 years) Students complete graduate coursework, continue clinical education opportunities, conduct research, meet with their advisory thesis committee, submit papers, and complete the DMSc thesis defense. #### Transition back to clinic Before returning to full clinical education, students complete a reintroduction to clinical skills. #### Phase 3: Clinical education (years 3–4 of the DMD program) Students complete clinical education requirements and graduate with both degrees. ## How to apply and funding Applicants must first apply to the [**Harvard School of Dental Medicine DMD program**.](/dmd-admissions "DMD Admissions") To be considered for either the DMD-PhD or DMD-DMSc pathway, applicants should also [**email the following materials to the program director**](mailto:francesca_gori@hsdm.harvard.edu): - **Two letters of recommendation** from faculty members who have supervised their research - **A statement of purpose** (maximum 1,000 words) The statement of purpose should explain the applicant's motivation for pursuing a dual degree, summarize previous research experience, describe how that experience shaped their academic interests, and outline long-term career goals. --- Dual degree programs are supported through an NIH-funded T90 training grant. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and international students may apply; however, fellowship support is available only to eligible U.S. citizens and permanent residents. ### Contact us Questions about the dual degree program? [### Francesca Gori ](/people/francesca-gori) [Francesca\_Gori@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:Francesca_Gori@hsdm.harvard.edu)Associate Professor of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity Director of the DMD-Dual Degree Program Director of Research Training and Programs ![Dr. Francesca Gori](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2024-10/Francesca%20Gori_2021_photo1%20%281%29.jpg?h=943970ed&itok=RqO2QEzQ) [### Mallory Hackett ](/people/mallory-hackett) [Mallory\_hackett@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:Mallory_hackett@hsdm.harvard.edu)Administrative Coordinator Office of Research ![Mallory Hackett](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-01/1592322244904.jpeg?itok=58xG4BlW) [ draftsDMD admissions](mailto:hsdm_dmd_admissions@hsdm.harvard.edu) [ draftsOffice of Research](mailto:hsdmresearch@hsdm.harvard.edu) [ phone\_androidCall (617) 432-1443](tel:6174321443)