AGE Admissions
Advanced Graduate Education Admissions
Advance your expertise in dental medicine. Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) programs offer MMSc or DMSc degrees and specialized certificates. Admissions consider your personal, professional, and academic achievements, preparing you for an unparalleled academic journey.
How to apply
Follow these steps to complete your application.
- Review the requirements
- Check the specific application requirements by academic program. Most AGE applicants must meet the general requirements below.
- Confirm eligibility
- Hold a DDS, DMD, or foreign equivalent degree.
- Submit your application
- Apply through the ADEA PASS.
- Pay the application fee
- Pay your $95 application fee here. You may qualify for a fee waiver if you are a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. To apply for a fee waiver, please email AGE Admissions with proof of military service.
General requirements
Applicants who only have international academic degrees must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. See TOEFL score requirements and waiver criteria.
NBDE/INBDE scores
Applicants who have taken the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) must submit an official INBDE/NBDE transcript to ADEA's PASS system. Each program has different requirements for applying, so refer to the program-specific checklists. An NBDE/INBDE score is not required at the point of application, but it must be submitted prior to matriculation for domestic applicants.
GRE scores
Applicants to the Orthodontics program are required to submit official GRE scores to the AGE Office of Admissions from ETS directly. HSDM's institution code is 3430.
ADAT scores
None of the AGE programs require Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT) scores. However, if an applicant has taken the ADAT, they may submit the scores, though they will not be considered for review of candidacy for an AGE program.
Program-specific requirements
Review individual program pages for:
- Admissions checklists
- Deadlines
- Cost of attendance details
Application policy:
- You may apply to only one program per academic year
- Applications to multiple programs will not be considered
English proficiency (if applicable):
- Required for applicants with only international degrees
- Submit official TOEFL scores
- Check score requirements and possible waivers
Evaluation forms:
- Institutional Evaluation Form (IEF) is required
- Will accept an IEF from a program completed after dental school (e.g., specialty program)
- Form may be completed by a principal investigator
- Professional Evaluation Forms (PEFs):
- At least one must be from your most recent academic director and/or employer (if applicable)
Submit all required documents through ADEA PASS, unless stated otherwise
Email requirements
- Ensure emails from donoreply@webadmit.org are not sent to spam
- Do NOT send the following materials directly to HSDM:
- Transcripts
- Resumes/CVs
- Letters of recommendation
- Portfolios
- Research papers
Harvard School of Dental Medicine does not discriminate against applicants or students based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, or any other protected classification.
All the documents noted below must be uploaded through ADEA PASS.
Research Portfolio
Provide an overview of your research experience, including a detailed description of scholarly projects and contributions. This should be similar to a CV or résumé, but focused specifically on research.
Professional Evaluations
Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a research mentor as one of their PEFs.
DMSc Research Statement
Submit a personal statement (maximum one page, single-spaced) that explains how you plan to integrate research into your career.
Your statement should include:
- A description of one research project, including the research method/design, key findings, and conclusions
- Your specific role and contributions to the project
- The relevance of the work to public health, oral biology, and/or your dental specialty
- Research topics or areas you are interested in pursuing during your DMSc training
Program formats and degree options
Our Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) programs support a range of professional and academic goals. Options include certificate-only programs for focused clinical training, degree-only pathways for advanced academic study, and combined programs that integrate both clinical and research experience.
Explore the options below to find the path that best fits your goals. For full details on each program, visit our Program Page.
Interview process
Each academic department manages its own interviews and contacts selected candidates directly. The Admissions Office does not coordinate interviews.
Visit the Advanced Education General Dentistry (AEGD)—Rural Track page for program details and admissions information.
Visit the Dental Public Health page for program details and admissions information.
Admissions snapshot
- Application deadline: August 1
- Cost of attendance: See program costs
- Visit the Endodontcs program page
Checklist
- Applicant must hold a DDS, DMD, or foreign equivalent degree.
- Pay non-refundable $95 application fee.
Required documents for submission through the ADEA PASS application system:
- Personal Statement
The personal statement should be a maximum one-page, single-spaced essay outlining why you wish to join the program and why you are a strong candidate. - Supplemental essay
In addition to the personal statement, HSDM requires a supplemental essay (maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces) responding to the following 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?” - CV/Resume
- Dental School Transcript
- All College Transcripts
- Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
- Institutional Evaluation Form
- Professional Evaluation Form 1
- Professional Evaluation Form 2
- Professional Evaluation Form 3
- Official TOEFL Scores (required for international applicants)
- Official NBDE/INBDE scores (NBDE/INBDE scores are required prior to matriculation but not at the time of application; recommended but not required for international candidates.)
TOEFL Requirements
Applicants who only have international academic degrees must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. See requirements and waiver criteria.
Evaluation guidelines
- The IEF is required and may come from a postdoctoral program or research advisor (e.g., a PI).
- At least one PEF must be from your most recent academic director or employer (if applicable).
Do not submit the following to HSDM: transcripts, resumes/CVs, letters of recommendation, portfolios, research papers, etc. All materials submitted to PASS will suffice for the application process.
Admissions snapshot
- Application deadline: February 1
- Cost of attendance: See program costs
- Visit the Oral Biology Research program page
Checklist
- Applicant must hold a DDS, DMD, or foreign equivalent degree.
- Pay non-refundable $95 application fee.
Required documents for submission through the ADEA PASS application system:
- Personal Statement
The personal statement should be a maximum one-page, single-spaced essay outlining why you wish to join the program and why you are a strong candidate. - Supplemental essay
In addition to the personal statement, HSDM requires a supplemental essay (maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces) responding to the following 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?” - CV/Resume
- Dental School Transcript
- All College Transcripts
- Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
- Institutional Evaluation Form
- Professional Evaluation Form 1
- Professional Evaluation Form 2
- Professional Evaluation Form 3
- Official TOEFL Scores (required for international applicants)*
* TOEFL requirements are detailed below.
TOEFL Requirements
Applicants who only have international academic degrees must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. See requirements and waiver criteria.
Evaluation guidelines
- The IEF is required and may come from a postdoctoral program or research advisor (e.g., a PI).
- At least one PEF must be from your most recent academic director or employer (if applicable).
Do not submit the following to HSDM: transcripts, resumes/CVs, letters of recommendation, portfolios, research papers, etc. All materials submitted to PASS will suffice for the application process.
NOTE: Accepting applications until October 30, 2026, 5:00 PM (EST). Interviews are scheduled for December 2, 2026, from 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (EST).
Admissions snapshot
- Application deadline: November 1
- Cost of attendance: See program costs
- Visit the Oral Medicine program page
Checklist
- Applicant must hold a DDS, DMD, or foreign equivalent degree.
- Pay non-refundable $95 application fee.
Required documents for submission through the ADEA PASS application system:
- Personal Statement
The personal statement should be a maximum one-page, single-spaced essay outlining why you wish to join the program and why you are a strong candidate. - Supplemental essay
In addition to the personal statement, HSDM requires a supplemental essay (maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces) responding to the following 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?” - CV/Resume
- Dental School Transcript
- All College Transcripts
- Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
- Institutional Evaluation Form
- Professional Evaluation Form 1
- Professional Evaluation Form 2
- Professional Evaluation Form 3
- Official TOEFL Scores (required for international applicants)
- Official NBDE/INBDE scores (NBDE/INBDE scores are required prior to matriculation but not at the time of application; recommended but not required for international candidates.)
TOEFL Requirements
Applicants who only have international academic degrees must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. See requirements and waiver criteria.
Evaluation guidelines
- The IEF is required and may come from a postdoctoral program or research advisor (e.g., a PI).
- At least one PEF must be from your most recent academic director or employer (if applicable).
Do not submit the following to HSDM: transcripts, resumes/CVs, letters of recommendation, portfolios, research papers, etc. All materials submitted to PASS will suffice for the application process.
Admissions snapshot
- Application deadline: September 1
- Cost of attendance: See program costs
- Visit the Orthodontics program page
Checklist
- Applicant must hold a DDS, DMD, or foreign equivalent degree.
- Pay non-refundable $95 application fee.
- Official GRE Scores should be sent directly to HSDM. Institution code is 3430.
Required documents for submission through the ADEA PASS application system:
- Personal Statement
The personal statement should be a maximum one-page, single-spaced essay outlining why you wish to join the program and why you are a strong candidate. - Supplemental essay
In addition to the personal statement, HSDM requires a supplemental essay (maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces) responding to the following 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?” - CV/Resume
- Dental School Transcript
- All College Transcripts
- Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
- Institutional Evaluation Form
- Professional Evaluation Form 1
- Professional Evaluation Form 2
- Professional Evaluation Form 3
- Official TOEFL Scores (required for international applicants)
- Official NBDE/INBDE scores (required for all applicants)
TOEFL Requirements
Applicants who only have international academic degrees must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. See requirements and waiver criteria.
Evaluation guidelines
- The IEF is required and may come from a postdoctoral program or research advisor (e.g., a PI).
- At least one PEF must be from your most recent academic director or employer (if applicable).
Do not submit the following to HSDM: transcripts, resumes/CVs, letters of recommendation, portfolios, research papers, etc. All materials submitted to PASS will suffice for the application process.
Match participation
The Orthodontics Program will participate in Match for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. Learn more about the Match process.
Admissions snapshot
- Application deadline: August 1
- Cost of attendance: See program costs
- Visit the Periodontology program page
Checklist
- Pay non-refundable $95 application fee.
- Applicant must hold a DDS, DMD, or foreign equivalent degree.
Required documents for submission through the ADEA PASS application system:
- Personal Statement
The personal statement should be a maximum one-page, single-spaced essay outlining why you wish to join the program and why you are a strong candidate. - Supplemental essay
In addition to the personal statement, HSDM requires a supplemental essay (maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces) responding to the following 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?” - CV/Resume
- Dental School Transcript
- All College Transcripts
- Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
- Institutional Evaluation Form
- Professional Evaluation Form 1
- Professional Evaluation Form 2
- Professional Evaluation Form 3
- Official TOEFL Scores (required for international applicants)
- Official NBDE/INBDE scores (NBDE/INBDE scores are required prior to matriculation but not at the time of application; recommended but not required for international candidates.)
TOEFL Requirements
Applicants who only have international academic degrees must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. See requirements and waiver criteria.
Evaluation guidelines
- The IEF is required and may come from a postdoctoral program or research advisor (e.g., a PI).
- At least one PEF must be from your most recent academic director or employer (if applicable).
Do not submit the following to HSDM: transcripts, resumes/CVs, letters of recommendation, portfolios, research papers, etc. All materials submitted to PASS will suffice for the application process.
Admissions snapshot
- Application deadline: September 15
- Cost of attendance: See program costs
- Visit the Prosthodontics program page
Checklist
- Applicant must hold a DDS, DMD, or foreign equivalent degree.
- Pay non-refundable $95 application fee.
Required documents for submission through the ADEA PASS application system:
- Personal Statement
The personal statement should be a maximum one-page, single-spaced essay outlining why you wish to join the program and why you are a strong candidate. - Supplemental essay
In addition to the personal statement, HSDM requires a supplemental essay (maximum 3,000 characters, including spaces) responding to the following 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?” - CV/Resume
- Dental School Transcript
- All College Transcripts
- Transcript Evaluation (if applicable)
- Institutional Evaluation Form
- Professional Evaluation Form 1
- Professional Evaluation Form 2
- Professional Evaluation Form 3
- Official TOEFL Scores (required for international applicants)
- Official NBDE/INBDE scores (NBDE/INBDE scores are required prior to matriculation but not at the time of application; recommended but not required for international candidates.)
TOEFL Requirements
Applicants who only have international academic degrees must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores. See requirements and waiver criteria.
Evaluation guidelines
- The IEF is required and may come from a postdoctoral program or research advisor (e.g., a PI).
- At least one PEF must be from your most recent academic director or employer (if applicable).
Do not submit the following to HSDM: transcripts, resumes/CVs, letters of recommendation, portfolios, research papers, etc. All materials submitted to PASS will suffice for the application process.
Match participation
The Prosthodontics Program will participate in Match for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle. Learn more about the Match process.
| Program | Certificate Only | MMSc Only | MMSc + Certificate | DMSc Only | DMSc + Certificate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced Education General Dentistry (AEGD) | X | ||||
Oral Biology Research | X | ||||
Dental Education | X | ||||
Dental Public Health | X | X | X | ||
Dental Public Health (rural track) | X | ||||
Dental Public Health (Part-time)*** | X | ||||
Endodontics | X | X | |||
General Practice Residency—Cambridge Health Alliance** | X | ||||
General Practice Residency—MGH** | X | ||||
General Practice Residency—VA Hospital** | X | ||||
Oral Maxillofacial Surgery Residency—MGH** | X | ||||
Oral Medicine**** | X | X | X | ||
Orofacial Pain** | X | ||||
Orthodontics* | X | X | |||
Pediatrics—Boston Children's Hospital** | X | ||||
Periodontology | X | X | |||
Prosthodontics* | X | X |
*The orthodontics program participates in Match for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle. Click here for more information on applying through Match.
** Affiliated program
*** Due to F-1 visa restriction, please be aware that HSDM visa processing is not available for part-time programs.
**** The Oral Medicine program will accept certificate-only candidates for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle. MMSc and DMSc applications will not be considered.
You should come to HSDM if you want to elevate your standard of care and your execution of care.
Learn more about our programs
Learn about our Advanced Graduate Education programs, designed to provide comprehensive training in various dental specialties. Find details on the application process and cost of attendance for each program.
HSDM does not discriminate against applicants or students on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, or any other protected classification.