AGE Admissions
Advanced Graduate Education Admissions
Apply to Harvard School of Dental Medicine's (HSDM) Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) programs. On this page, you'll find the general admissions process and requirements that apply to most applicants.
Program-specific admissions requirements, deadlines, and supplemental materials are available on each program page.
Before you apply
Preparing your application begins with selecting the program that best aligns with your professional goals. Use the resources below to understand the admissions process, review general requirements, gather required materials, and identify any program-specific requirements before you begin your application.
Admissions guide
Everything you need to prepare and submit a successful application. Explore the resources below to understand requirements, complete your application, and find answers to common questions.
How to apply
Applying to an Advanced Graduate Education program is a multi-step process. While each program has its own admissions requirements and deadlines, the general application process is similar for most applicants. Use the steps below to prepare and submit a complete application.
1. Confirm your eligibility
Ensure you meet the general eligibility requirements, including holding a DDS, DMD, or equivalent international dental degree. International applicants should also review English language proficiency requirements.
2. Explore programs
Review your selected program page for admissions requirements, application deadlines, degree options, and any additional program-specific requirements.
3. Review admissions requirements
Applicants must hold a DDS, DMD, or an equivalent international dental degree from an accredited institution. Additional eligibility requirements may apply for individual programs.
4. Prepare your application
Gather your required materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, curriculum vitae, and any additional documents required by your selected program.
5. Submit your application
Submit your application through the application service required by your selected program. Most clinical programs participate in ADEA PASS.
After submitting your application, pay the $95 Harvard School of Dental Medicine application fee. Fee waivers are available for eligible U.S. Armed Forces members and veterans, email AGE Admissions with documentation of military service before submitting your application.
6. Monitor your application
Monitor the application portal for application status changes. See additional application policies.
General admissions requirements
The following admissions requirements apply to most applicants regardless of specialty. Individual programs may have additional requirements, examinations, or supplemental application materials. Visit the AGE program page.
Academic eligibility
Applicants must hold a DDS, DMD, or equivalent international dental degree unless otherwise specified by the program.
English language proficiency
Applicants whose academic degrees were earned outside institutions where English is the primary language of instruction must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official TOEFL scores unless they qualify for a waiver.
Standardized tests
Test | Requirement |
NBDE / INBDE | Required prior to matriculation for domestic applicants. International applicants are recommended to review their program page for additional eligibility and specialty-specific requirements. |
GRE | Required only for Orthodontics applicants. |
ADAT | Not required. Applicants who have taken the ADAT may submit scores, but they are not considered during admissions review. |
Application system
Most clinical programs apply through ADEA PASS. Programs using a different application process identify the appropriate application portal on their program page. A non-refundable $95 application fee is required for most applicants. Fee waivers are available for eligible U.S. Armed Forces members and veterans
Required documents
Unless otherwise noted, submit all application materials through ADEA PASS. Individual programs may require additional materials. Review your selected program page for any program-specific requirements.
Most applicants should prepare the following materials to submit to ADEA PASS before beginning their application:
- Official dental school transcript
- Transcripts are required only from colleges and universities where a degree was conferred. ADEA PASS does not accept official transcripts from non-dental degrees, but you can upload unofficial transcript copies to the portal.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
- Personal statement
- Transcript Evaluations (ECE or WES if applicable)
- Institutional Evaluation Form (IEF)
- Three Professional Evaluation Forms (PEFs)
- Official TOEFL scores (if applicable)
- Official NBDE/INBDE scores (if required by your program)
- Any program-specific supplemental materials
The Institutional Evaluation Form (IEF) is required for all applicants. HSDM accepts an IEF completed by your dental school, specialty program, or principal investigator (PI).
Applicants should also submit three Professional Evaluation Forms (PEFs). When applicable, at least one evaluation should be completed by your most recent academic director or employer.
- Personal Statement
Submit a one-page, single-spaced personal statement describing your professional goals, interest in your selected specialty, and why you are a strong candidate for admission. - Supplemental Essay
HSDM-administered programs require a supplemental essay. Programs that require additional essays or writing samples will identify those requirements on their program page.
Supplemental essay prompt: Tell us about a time when you engaged in a difficult conversation with someone whose perspective differed from your own. Were you able to find common ground? If so, how? If not, what were the primary barriers?
Some applicants are required to submit official standardized test scores. Depending on your program and academic background, these may include:
- TOEFL scores for applicants required to demonstrate English language proficiency
- NBDE or INBDE scores, if required by your selected program
- GRE scores for applicants applying to the Orthodontics program (ETS Institution Code: 3430)
Refer to your selected program page for specific testing requirements and score submission instructions.
Unless specifically instructed otherwise, submit all application materials through ADEA PASS.
Do not send the following materials directly to the AGE Office of Admissions:
- Transcripts
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolios
- Research papers
Additional requirements for DMSc applicants
Applicants pursuing the Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc) degree must submit additional research materials through ADEA PASS.
Provide a summary of your research experience, including scholarly projects, publications, presentations, and your individual contributions.
Submit a one-page, single-spaced statement describing:
- Your previous research experience
- Your role and contributions
- The significance of your work
- Your current research interests
- The research you hope to pursue during the DMSc program
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include at least one evaluation from a research mentor or faculty member familiar with their scholarly work.
Application policies
Each academic department manages its own interview process and contacts selected applicants directly. Interview requirements and timelines vary by program.
Applicants may apply to one Advanced Graduate Education program during each admissions cycle.
To receive important application updates, add donotreply@webadmit.org to your safe sender list and monitor your spam or junk folder throughout the admissions process.
Eligible members and veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces may qualify for an application fee waiver. Contact the AGE Office of Admissions after submitting your application and provide documentation of military service.
Harvard School of Dental Medicine does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Plan for tuition and costs
Understanding the financial commitment of graduate education is an important part of choosing the program that's right for you. Before applying, review tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses to help you plan for the total cost of attendance and explore available financial resources.
Meet our graduates
Every AGE student brings a unique background, professional experience, and career aspiration to Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Discover how our graduates have advanced their specialties, pursued research, and prepared for careers in clinical practice, academia, and public health.
Contact admissions
Questions about applying to an Advanced Graduate Education program? The AGE Admissions Office is available to assist prospective applicants with the admissions process, application requirements, fee waivers, and general questions.