Dental Education
Online Master of Medical Sciences in Dental Education
Gain the skills, knowledge, and leadership tools to shape the future of dental education—100% online, with full-time or part-time options.
Upcoming event
Informational Webinar: Explore the Online MMSc in Dental Education Program
Join HSDM faculty for a webinar introducing the online MMSc in Dental Education for dental educators and clinicians. đź”” Attendees will receive an application fee waiver.
Discover a program designed for dental educators
Earn your Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) in Dental Education from the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. This fully online graduate program prepares dentists, allied oral health professionals, and academic leaders to design innovative curricula, strengthen teaching effectiveness, and lead meaningful change in academic dentistry and oral health education.
Designed for working professionals and accessible globally, the program integrates synchronous and asynchronous learning while building expertise in curriculum design, clinical and didactic teaching, educational research, and academic leadership. Students may complete the program in one year full-time or two years part-time.
Grounded in Harvard’s tradition of excellence, the program prepares graduates to shape the future of dental education worldwide.
Who should apply?
- Practicing dentists and dental educators
- Allied oral health professionals
- Public health professionals in oral health
- Academic leadership aspirants
- International clinicians with a passion for teaching
Eligibility: A bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent is required.
Program at a glance
Program details
| Program details | Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | February 1 | |||
Program start | July | |||
Duration | Full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) | |||
Format | 100% online | |||
Degree | Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) | |||
Estimated tuition | $76,828 (The cost of attendance reflects the projected cost for the 2026-2027 academic year and is subject to change for future academic years.) |
Application overview
Before beginning your application, review the program requirements and admissions process. Note that this program doesn't require the INBDE. All applications are submitted through Harvard School of Dental Medicine's Advanced Graduate Education Admissions Office.
| Requirements | Information | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Eligible applicants | Dentists (DDS/DMD or foreign equivalent) and qualified allied health professionals | |||
Apply through | ADEA PASS (DDS/DMD or foreign equivalent applicants) or HSDM Allied Health Application (allied health applicants) | |||
English proficiency | TOEFL required if previous education was not completed in English | |||
General admission process | Review eligibility, required documents, and application instructions on the AGE Admissions page |
Additional program requirements
DDS/DMD or foreign equivalent applicants
Applicants with a DDS, DMD, or foreign equivalent must meet the general AGE admissions requirements and apply through the ADEA PASS application system. In addition, applicants must submit the following program-specific materials:
- Supplemental essay (maximum 3,000 characters)
- One institutional evaluation form (IEF)
- Three professional evaluation forms (PEFs), including at least one from your most recent academic director or employer
Allied health applicants
Applicants who do not hold a DDS/DMD degree should apply using the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Allied Health Application and submit the following:
- Download and complete the Advanced Graduate Education application (PDF).
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities where a degree was conferred, an official transcript evaluation (if applicable), and a current curriculum vitae (CV).
- Submit three professional evaluation forms (PEFs), including at least one from your most recent academic director or employer.
- Email all completed application materials to age_admissions@hsdm.harvard.edu.
- Pay the $95 non-refundable application fee online.
Why earn your MMSc in Dental Education?
Continue your work in clinical practice or academia while earning your degree. The flexible online format blends live, real-time sessions with self-paced coursework—no relocation required.
Build expertise in didactic, preclinical, and clinical teaching methods. Prepare to lead curriculum reform, inspire future clinicians, and drive innovation in academic dentistry.
Collaborate with a diverse cohort of educators, clinicians, and public health professionals from around the world. Expand your network and gain new perspectives on dental education.
Position yourself for influential roles such as program director, department chair, or academic dean. Grow your credibility and confidence as a leader in dental education.
Access world-class faculty, cutting-edge educational tools, and the deep institutional knowledge of Harvard School of Dental Medicine—an institution committed to equity, excellence, and global engagement.
Curriculum overview
Gain the knowledge and skills to lead, teach, and innovate in dental and oral health education. The Online Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc) in Dental Education curriculum combines educational theory, curriculum design, leadership, research, and emerging technologies with practical learning experiences that prepare graduates for careers in academia, clinical education, healthcare leadership, and educational scholarship.
Develop a strong foundation in the principles and practice of dental and health professions education through interdisciplinary coursework focused on teaching, learning, leadership, research, and innovation.
Introduction to Dental Education
An immersive eight-week course introducing students to the foundations of educational theory and higher education administration at the start of the program.
Innovation in Dental Education and Scholarship (IDEAS)
An interdisciplinary course covering pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment, research methods, biostatistics, and clinical education.
Effective Leadership Communication Seminar Series
Develop persuasive communication and public speaking skills for leadership in education and healthcare settings.
AI Applications in Education and Healthcare
Explore the applications of artificial intelligence and innovation in health professions education and clinical practice.
Fundamentals of Biostatistics for Healthcare Educators
A seven-session course introducing the fundamentals of biostatistics and applied data analysis using statistical software.
Apply your knowledge through experiential learning that reinforces educational theory, develops scholarly skills, and prepares you to lead educational initiatives in academic and clinical settings.
Dental education e-portfolio
Develop a year-long reflective portfolio documenting program activities, professional growth, and learning milestones while reinforcing key concepts in dental education.
Capstone project
Complete a faculty-guided scholarly project that integrates your learning and is presented at the conclusion of the program as a graduation requirement.
Tailor your educational experience through elective coursework and professional development opportunities across Harvard University and Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Harvard elective
Choose from select offerings across Harvard University, including courses in learning sciences, design thinking, global health policy, and writing for publication.
Continuing education experience
Enroll in a Harvard School of Dental Medicine expert-led continuing education course in a topic of your choice. Participants also engage with course directors and gain insight into effective educational strategies and professional training.
Program director
Sang E. Park
Faculty and staff
Muath Aldosari
Sondos B. Alghamdi
Edward Krupat
Jill Slye
Take the next step
Learn more about the application process and prepare your application for the next admissions cycle.