#  Scholars in Dental Education 

 



##  Scholars in Dental Education 

Preparing future leaders in academic dentistry through mentorship, teaching, and education research.



 

 

 

      ![This study examines a structured predoctoral program designed to prepare dental students for academic careers through integrated experiences in teaching, leadership, administration, scholarship, and research.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_3__1540x1160/public/2026-02/0147_HSDM_Fall2025_147.JPG?h=756574f7&itok=dS5DkuOQ) 

 

 



 

 



 

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.



 

   ![Students in clinic](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-02/%20Clinical%20setting.jpeg?h=83d67f71&itok=wWNtXfj4) 

 

 

 

 ### Teaching and curriculum

Gain experience supporting teaching and contributing to curriculum feedback and improvement.



 

   ![two students looking at a laptop](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-02/0068_HSDM_Fall2025_068%20%281%29.JPG?h=a45d5e67&itok=XbiE5kjE) 

 

 

 

 ### Education research

Participate in scholarly activities focused on how dentistry is taught and learned.



 

   ![Dental students using laptops during a classroom session reviewing dental imaging and educational materials.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-02/0030_20240617_Harvard_Dental_030.JPG?h=7797b47d&itok=hE9H7ZgD) 

 

 

 

 ### Academic leadership exposure

Engage with institutional committees and academic decision-making processes.



 

   ![students next to a lecturn in front of a screen](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-02/IMG_0751.jpg?h=705f8c6a&itok=yX40eVz1) 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

   

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.

 

Gaser Abdelaziz 

DMD26

 

 



 

 

 

 

###  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.

SortDMD YearOpportunityWhat Students DoHow This Supports Academic CareersD1

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