Geriatric Dentistry

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine has offered a geriatric dentistry program since 1986. The program offers a certificate in geriatric dentistry (two years in length), a Master of Medical Sciences degree (MMSc—three years, or two years if the candidate holds a prior MPH or equivalent degree), and a Doctor of Medical Sciences degree (DMSc—four years). Students may also earn a combined degree with the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, which requires a separate application. There is a clinical component to this program.

Degrees/Certificates Offered

Certificate Only

This two-year program culminates to a certificate in geriatrics.

Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc)/Certificate in Geriatrics

This three-year program culminates to a combined MMSc degree in oral biology and a certificate in geriatrics.

Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc)/Certificate in Geriatrics

This four-year program culminates to a combined DMSc degree in oral biology and a certificate in geriatrics.

Program Overview

The HSDM Advanced Graduated Education Program in Geriatric Dentistry (Certificate) is a two-year Multidisciplinary Geriatric Program in Dentistry, Medicine, and Mental/Behavioral Health, to train a dental student in the care of older adults, with a focus on underserved populations. The interdisciplinary program consists of four main components: coursework, clinical training, teaching/administrative training, and research. This program will prepare a specialist in geriatric dentistry to acquire the skills, experience, and knowledge to both treat patients in an institutional, community, and private setting, as well as contribute to the academic and professional development of geriatrics.

Courses

Students will develop the working knowledge of biostatistics and epidemiology necessary for clinical research and may take courses in aging-related issues offered at any Harvard campus and seminars offered by the multidisciplinary fellowship team.

Clinical

Training involves rotations at the Cambridge Health Alliance, the Element Care, Harvard-affiliated nursing homes, and rotations with the multidisciplinary geriatric fellows.

Teaching

Lectures are given by fellows to pre-doctoral dental students, residents, and geriatric fellows, in addition to oral health education to senior centers and nursing home staff.

Research

Research is led by faculty mentors, who are assigned according to field. For trainees with appropriate research topics and educational background, the Harvard Medical School faculty are also available to guide research.

Nondegree Resources

  • Professional continuing education courses
  • Noncredit workshops
  • Technical assistance, consultations, and training for community organizations
  • Research opportunities
  • Courses specifically designed for older individuals
  • Distance-learning courses

Applicant Information

  • Preference to previous postdoctoral training or clinical practice experience
  • Please note that there is no stipend support for this program

Please visit AGE Admissions for application requirements.