Admissions Overview

In keeping with the school’s mission to develop and foster a community of global leaders advancing oral and systemic health, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine seeks to enroll outstanding individuals who will shape the future of research, education, and clinical practice in the field of dental medicine.

The admissions process at HSDM for the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and the Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) programs reflects the School’s tradition of dedication to excellence.

Please note that transfer credit is not accepted for degree programs.

DMD Program

The comprehensive admissions process selects a class of 35 well-rounded, team-oriented candidates for a unique program of dental education. The collaborative learning environment at HSDM requires consideration of more than the standard admission criteria. Candidates are evaluated on the entirety of their personal and academic experiences. Disadvantaged candidates or candidates underrepresented in the health professions are encouraged to apply. The DMD program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), and as such, meets the requirements for licensure in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.Learn more about the application process.

Other Curricular Options

Candidates for the DMD degree have the opportunity to earn additional degrees to enhance their preparation for leadership roles. HSDM offers programs in conjunction with the Harvard Business School, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard Kennedy School, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. An additional application is required for admission to these programs.

Advanced Graduate Education (AGE)

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine offers advanced graduate training in the following nationally recognized specialty fields: dental public health, endodontics, geriatric dentistry, implantology, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral biology, oral medicine, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Students earn a master of medical sciences (MMSc) or doctor of medical sciences (DMSc) degree in conjunction with a certificate in the field of specialty.

The following programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), and as such, meet the requirements for licensure in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

  • Dental Public Health
  • Endodontics
  • Orthodontics
  • Oral Medicine
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics

Candidates are considered on the basis of their entire personal, professional, and academic experience and their suitability for this unequalled academic environment. Learn more about the application process.