Harvard University and Harvard School of Dental Medicine are closely monitoring the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. As the situation continues to change rapidly, the top priority remains the health, safety, and well-being of our community, on and off campus. The University, the School, and the Harvard Dental Center remain open and operational and are taking appropriate measures to protect the health of the community.
We are planning for several contingency scenarios and taking decisive, informed action to limit the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring the continuity of our teaching and research mission. These efforts involve moving to virtual learning, ramping down our research labs, and encouraging our workforce to work remotely, among other efforts. We will continue to update the community regularly to keep you informed of additional measures.
Harvard University guidance and policies
Please refer to the University's policies and guidelines found on Harvard University coronavirus webpage. This web page includes important guidance for remote courses, travel policies, campus restrictions and visiting or returning to campus.
Harvard Dental Center
Effective October 5, the Harvard Dental Center is accepting new patients in both the Faculty Group Practice and Teaching Practices. New patients should complete the new patient form or call 617-432-1434 to speak with a staff member to book an appointment. Additionally, the Faculty Group Practice is now open on Saturday's from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. We are excited to share that the Harvard Dental Center has also returned to scheduling hygiene appointments.
Harvard School of Dental Medicine community guidance
Coronavirus Workplace Policies
As of March 16, HSDM implimented a remote work policy for staff and faculty. See the Harvard HR website for policies related to sick time, and guidance for managers.
Working Remotely: IT Tools and Resources
All members of the HSDM community are encouraged to use the technology and resources the University has to support working remotely. Check our HSDM IT Work Remotely site to ensure you have the necessary tools at your disposal.
Business and Personal Travel
University Travel Prohibition & Petition Process
With COVID-19 cases rising across the United States and the world, the prohibition on University-related travel, both international and domestic, remains in effect until further notice. We also continue to strongly discourage personal travel, both international and domestic.
The policy recognizes that some travel, under limited circumstances, remains necessary. With this in mind, the Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs continues to update the criteria to petition for Harvard-related travel. We expect exceptions for domestic and international travel to be rare.
Please note that the travel prohibition and petition process do not apply to students and personnel who are traveling to the Cambridge/Boston area for approved work or for moving into or out of on-campus housing.
Holiday Travel Guidance
Travel can significantly increase the likelihood of contracting and spreading the COVID-19 virus. As much as we all want to celebrate in the presence of friends and family during the upcoming holiday season, we ask that you seriously consider whether travel is truly necessary. If you are considering travel, please review Harvard University Health Services’ guidance for holidays and travel.
If you choose to travel, we ask that you comply with Harvard’s post-travel COVID-testing and quarantine policy if relevant, and with Massachusetts’ Travel Order (or your local jurisdiction’s equivalent). Please note that persons authorized to have an on-campus presence must follow the University’s post-travel policy, which is more restrictive than the state order.
Keeping Harvard Healthy
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced many frustrations, inconveniences, and disruptions into our daily lives. Our ability to resume some semblance of normal activity depends on our continued commitment to the actions we take to protect ourselves and our communities. These actions include wearing face coverings correctly (over nose and mouth), practicing safe distancing, washing hands often, limiting in-person gatherings, staying home when sick, participating in high-frequency viral testing as applicable, and minimizing travel until conditions improve. With continued diligence and caution, we can each contribute to keeping ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities healthy and safe.
HMS-HSDM-HSPH Ombuds Office
The HMS-HSDM-HSPH Ombuds Office provides highly confidential, impartial, and independent services to faculty, staff, students, trainees and affiliate institution appointees to help identify issues, goals, and potential options available to help manage or resolve concerns. ANY issue may be brought to the Ombuds Office, including those related to COVID-19. Find more information on HMS-HSDM-HSPH Ombuds Office resources here.