# Student Life ## Student Life Student life at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine is enriched by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), which fosters a supportive and connected community to enhance the overall student experience. [ arrow\_forward Life in Boston ](/life-in-boston) [ arrow\_forward Student handbook ](/resource/student-handbook) [ arrow\_forward Student organizations ](/student-organizations) ![Students gather and talk in a bright common area with tables and seating.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_3__1540x1160/public/2026-01/0139_HSDM_Fall2025_139.JPG?h=ba571c99&itok=z4yRCuFf) ### A supportive and collaborative community Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) fosters a close-knit and supportive environment where students are empowered to excel as future leaders in oral healthcare. With a variety of student organizations and access to strong mentorship and peer support programs, the Office of Student Affairs helps students build lasting connections and navigate the challenges and opportunities of dental education. Dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of academic and professional excellence, the Office of Student Affairs supports students in their academic journey while emphasizing ethical practices, community engagement, and professional growth. The office is also a resource for addressing student concerns, providing guidance, and connecting students to the help and support they need to thrive. ## Student services 3p [### Registrar services ](/registrar) health\_and\_safety [### Health and wellness ](/health-wellness) book [### Student handbook ](/resource/student-handbook) school [### Academic support ](/academic-support) ## Quick links Explore these links for quick access to important information. [ arrow\_forward Orientation ](/orientation) [ arrow\_forward Commencement ](/commencement) [ arrow\_forward Disability services ](/disability-services) [ arrow\_forward Safety resources ](/health-wellness) [ arrow\_forward Wellbeing and mental health resources ](https://www.harvard.edu/wellbeing/wellness-resources/) ### Bridge to Dental School Program Bridge to Dental School is a comprehensive program designed to support prospective dental students through the application process. Guided by current Harvard dental students, participants will benefit from interactive workshops, small group mentoring, and invaluable insights into the dental school journey. [ arrow\_forward Learn more about the program ](/bridge-dental-school) ![two students smiling and sitting in front of open laptops](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-04/0054_20240617_Harvard_Dental_054%20%282%29.JPG?h=8b30ba19&itok=tEuh2SPs) ### Community & Campus Life Leadership Program The CCL Leadership Program prepares students to grow as leaders in dental education while strengthening the HSDM community. Through mentorship, workshops, and student-led projects, participants build skills in communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and conflict resolution. [ draftsRequest more information](https://hms.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aflN01y6P59muRU) ![Students gather and talk around a table in a campus common area.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-01/0166_20240617_Harvard_Dental_166.JPG?h=7946caeb&itok=vjmtWIuY) ## Student events [### AGE Orientation ](/event/age-orientation?occ_id=0)Jun. 29 - Jul 1, 2026 | All day | REB Auditorium and REB Lobby; virtual attendance for online programs Hybrid The AGE Orientation at HSDM welcomes new students with three days of sessions, credentialing, and tours, introducing them to key aspects of the program. ![Two dental students in scrubs talk beside a window overlooking colorful autumn foliage.](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/0194_HSDM_Fall2025_194.JPG?itok=BRPPtkcS) [### White Coat Ceremony ](/event/white-coat-ceremony?occ_id=0)August 3, 2026 | 2:00PM - 4:00PM EDT In Person Welcome HSDM Class of 2030! The White Coat Ceremony will be livestreamed. Livestream details will be posted when available. ![White coat ceremony](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-01/0101_HMS_WhiteCoatCeremony2019_101-min.JPG?h=25cca456&itok=XWjRICfd) [### Global Prevention Symposium: Charting the Future of Oral Health and Medicine ](/event/global-prevention-symposium-charting-future-oral-health-and-medicine?occ_id=0)December 5, 2026 | All day | Joseph B. Martin Conference Center, Harvard Medical School In Person Join global leaders in medicine, oral health, public health, and technology to explore prevention, AI, diagnostics, and innovative strategies that improve health outcomes across populations. ![External view of Veritas Science Center](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-06/IMG_78471%20%281%29.jpg?itok=7OUErp2D) ## Student news [### The next chapter begins for HSDM's newest advanced graduate students ](/news/2026/07/next-chapter-begins-hsdms-newest-advanced-graduate-students) July 01, 2026 ![Group photo ](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-07/AGE-thumbnail.jpg?h=f35358f6&itok=a3eG0Re9) [### Celebrating a milestone moment for HSDM’s graduates ](/news/2026/05/celebrating-milestone-moment-hsdms-graduates) May 29, 2026 ![smiling grads in cap and gown holding the HSDM tooth brush](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/IMG_36371.jpg?itok=Hojc-hF_) [### Learning from patients beyond the clinic ](/news/2026/05/learning-patients-beyond-clinic) May 20, 2026 ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/lin-banner.jpg?h=14d0a88e&itok=QcPpqjd8) [### The power of transformative patient care ](/news/2026/05/power-transformative-patient-care) May 18, 2026 ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/IMG_01742%20%281%29.jpg?itok=sax4HztX) [### Creating connection and community during dental school ](/news/2026/05/creating-connection-and-community-during-dental-school) May 13, 2026 ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/IMG_58522%20copy.jpg?h=51f4cb78&itok=kemhntTn) [### A path to HSDM shaped by a chance encounter ](/news/2026/05/path-hsdm-shaped-chance-encounter) May 05, 2026 ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-05/IMG_5823%20copy.jpg?h=c57d85be&itok=BwGgMwae) [### Bringing a team mindset to the treatment of orofacial pain ](/news/2026/04/bringing-team-mindset-treatment-orofacial-pain) April 22, 2026 ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_58701.jpg?h=034d157e&itok=bG55zFsL) [### Drawing connections in dentistry ](/news/2026/04/drawing-connections-dentistry) April 13, 2026 ![HSDM student Shadin Zayyad](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/_SG_2400.jpg?h=caf65343&itok=e4GJf_5I) [### Student Research Day highlights innovation and discovery at HSDM ](/news/2026/04/student-research-day-highlights-innovation-and-discovery-hsdm) April 08, 2026 ![Student presenting research to another individual](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/IMG_6010.JPG?itok=jUkMqO5w) [### Give Kids A Smile brings dental care and education to the local community ](/news/2026/03/give-kids-smile-brings-dental-care-and-education-local-community) March 03, 2026 ![two students in PPE with flank a child sitting in dental chair](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-03/SFX02216_0.jpg?itok=r0iq5ytn) [### Mapping out the next steps in their professional journey ](/news/2026/02/mapping-out-next-steps-their-professional-journey) February 02, 2026 ![Two people holding up match day signs](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2026-04/SFX01517.jpg?h=01c08cd6&itok=ZiTirBsO) [### AI takes center stage at Harvard School of Dental Medicine symposium ](/news/2025/11/ai-takes-center-stage-harvard-school-dental-medicine-symposium) November 25, 2025 ![poster session](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-11/0151_1114_HSDM_151%20%281%29.JPG?h=d0309d4c&itok=hHKLZ3su) [### A day of care and gratitude for veterans ](/news/2025/10/day-care-and-gratitude-veterans) October 28, 2025 ![Students with a veteran sitting in a dental chair](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/2025-10/Anthony%20with%20students%20%281%29.jpg?h=8ec3eb2f&itok=DNJmdQ5T) arrow\_back arrow\_forward ## Office of Student Affairs, Community & Campus Life The Office of Student Affairs, Community & Campus Life is committed to creating a welcoming community where every student feels a sense of belonging, can grow as a leader, and is supported in their wellbeing and academic journey. Contact our office with your questions or concerns. [ draftsEmail us](mailto:studentaffairs@hsdm.harvard.edu) [ phone\_androidCall (617) 432-2209](tel:6174322209) [### Carrie Sylven ](/people/carrie-sylven) [Carrie\_Sylven@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:Carrie_Sylven@hsdm.harvard.edu)Senior Director of Student Affairs, Community & Campus Life ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-09/carrie.jpg?h=f5f4c788&itok=fTpaHvvG) [### Karrol Altarejos ](/people/karrol-altarejos) [karrolrikka\_altarejos@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:karrolrikka_altarejos@hsdm.harvard.edu)Assistant Director of Student Affairs and Community Life ![Karrol Altarejos headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2024-12/Karrol-headshot.jpg?itok=MrVhMOfH) [### Ariel Heim ](/people/ariel-heim) [Ariel\_heim@hsdm.harvard.edu](mailto:Ariel_heim@hsdm.harvard.edu)Program Coordinator for Student Affairs and Community Life ![headshot](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_4_5__690x865/public/2025-09/Ariel%20Heim.jpeg?h=d51cad68&itok=TlP2z0up)