Scholars in Dental Education
Scholars in Dental Education
Preparing future leaders in academic dentistry through mentorship, teaching, and education research.
Dental schools across the country face a growing need for faculty and academic leaders. The Scholars in Dental Education (S.D.Ed.) program at Harvard School of Dental Medicine helps address this need by giving its DMD students early, hands-on exposure to teaching, academic leadership, and dental education research.
The program helps students see dentistry not only as clinical practice, but also as a profession shaped by education, mentorship, and innovation.
Each year, two second-year DMD students are selected for this longitudinal experience. Scholars are chosen for their clinical excellence, leadership potential, and strong interest in advancing dental education.
What scholars experience
Mentorship
Work directly with faculty mentors to explore academic dentistry, teaching, and career pathways.
Teaching and curriculum
Gain experience supporting teaching and contributing to curriculum feedback and improvement.
Education research
Participate in scholarly activities focused on how dentistry is taught and learned.
Academic leadership exposure
Engage with institutional committees and academic decision-making processes.
What I valued most about the Scholars in Dental Education program was its culture of mentorship and collaboration. The experience encouraged thoughtful engagement with teaching and research while emphasizing the broader role of dental education in improving health outcomes.
Program timeline
While Scholars are formally selected in the second year (D2), the pathway toward academic dentistry often begins earlier. First-year (D1) opportunities help students explore teaching, curriculum feedback, and academic leadership — experiences that can strengthen interest in applying to the Scholars in Dental Education program.
| DMD Year | Opportunity | What Students Do | How This Supports Academic Careers |
|---|---|---|---|
D1 | Early academic exposure opportunities | Participate in curriculum feedback, education representation, or peer learning activities (as available) | Introduces academic dentistry and teaching pathways early |
D2 | Apply to Scholars in Dental Education program | Competitive selection process (typically two students per year) | Entry into the longitudinal academic development track |
D2–3 | Scholars in Dental Education Program begins | Participate in teaching activities, dental education research, curriculum initiatives, and committee exposure | Builds academic, leadership, and education scholarship experience |
D3 | Optional: National Academic Fellowship opportunities | May apply to programs such as the ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship (if applicable) | Expands national academic network and exposure |
D4 | Advanced academic engagement | Continued teaching, research, or academic leadership experiences | Strengthens preparation for academic or hybrid academic/practice careers |
Real experience in academic leadership
Scholars collaborate with school leadership and serve as student liaisons to key institutional committees, gaining firsthand insight into how academic programs are designed, evaluated, and continuously improved.
They may participate in committees, such as:
- Admissions
- Curriculum Development
- Ethics
- Accreditation and quality improvement initiatives