Harvard School of Dental Medicine
- Massachusetts
- Dental Education
- hsdm.harvard.edu

Program Contact
This fully online program is designed to train leaders who can drive meaningful change in response to advancements in dental education by preparing them to design innovative curricula and inspire students and faculty.
With a strong commitment to developing the next generation of educational leaders, the program’s faculty and curriculum are dedicated to shaping the future of dental education.
Degrees/certificates offered
Master of Medical Sciences (MMSc)
A one-year full-time, or two-year part-time fully online program culminating in a MMSc degree in dental education.
Who Should Apply?
· The program is open to dentists, mid-career dental educators, allied oral health professionals, public health leaders in oral health, international dental professionals, academic leadership aspirants, and clinicians who have a desire to teach.
Candidates must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent at the time of matriculation.
Key Program Features
· Online Format
o Synchronous instruction for real-time learning and community-building
o Asynchronous components for scholarship and research, allowing self-paced flexibility
· Leadership-Focused Curriculum
o Emphasizes academic leadership skills tailored to dental education
o Covers didactic, preclinical, and clinical teaching methods
· Global Accessibility
o No relocation required—accessible from anywhere in the world
· Interprofessional Approach
o Includes allied health professionals and promotes interprofessional collaboration
o Prepares participants for diverse roles in academic institutions and public health
· Career Advancement Pathway
o Equips graduates for roles such as program directors, department chairs, or academic deans
o Ideal for mid-career professionals looking to shift toward academia or leadership
· Institutional Strength
o Backed by Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s global reputation and educational excellence
o Developed in alignment with institutional goals of equity, access, and global engagement
· Innovative Teaching Methods
o Integration of cutting-edge educational technologies and methodologies
o Focus on practical application in diverse teaching environments
Benefits for Learners
- Enhanced Career Opportunities
o Position yourself for academic leadership roles and higher levels of professional responsibility.
- Flexibility for Working Professionals
- Earn a master’s degree while continuing to work in clinical practice or academia.
- Global Learning Community
- Join a diverse cohort of oral health professionals from around the world.
- Access to Harvard Faculty and Resources
- Learn from top experts in dental education, leadership, and innovation.
- Skill Development Beyond Clinical Practice
- Gain teaching, leadership, and scholarly competencies essential for a successful academic career.
- Opportunity to Drive Systemic Change
- Become a leader equipped to shape the future of dental education and oral healthcare policy.
Program Information
Accreditation | This program is offered by a CODA-accredited institution |
---|---|
Program Type | Dental Education |
Program Code | DENTED1 |
Degrees Offered | Masters |
Program Size | 10 (estimate) |
Program Length | 1-2 years months |
Application Deadline | February 1 |
Program Start Date | June 29 |
Supplemental Application | Yes |
Supplemental Fee | Yes |
Stipend Offered | No |
Match Participating | No |
Program Website | hsdm.harvard.edu |
Application Requirements
Required Standardized Tests
- TOEFL
Supplemental Requirements
- Requires supplemental application
- Requires supplemental fee
Transcript Evaluation and Instructions
Unofficial Degree Transcripts:
Applicants must upload to the ADEA PASS application unofficial transcripts for each undergraduate or graduate degree obtained, including official dental school transcripts (if applicable).
Do not email or mail college transcripts or other materials directly to Admissions.
Letters of Evaluation Instructions
Three Professional Evaluation Forms (PEFs) are required.
An Institutional Evaluation Form (IEF) is required (only) for applicants who have a DMD, DDS or foreign equivalent.
One of the Professional Evaluation Forms (PEF) must be from your most recent academic director and/or employer (if applicable).
If you do not have an Institution Evaluation Form (IEF) from your Dean's office, we will accept an IEF from a post-graduate program such as a specialty program. The evaluation may also be from a Principal Investigator.
TOEFL Requirement Instructions
Applicants (including native English speakers) who do not have BOTH the bachelor's degree and dental degree obtained in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or the United Kingdom must submit official TOEFL scores from a test taken within the past two years. Holding a bachelor's degree in dental medicine or surgery alone is not enough to be exempt from the TOEFL.
The minimum acceptable overall score is 95, with subcategory score minimums in the following areas:
- Reading 21
- Listening 17
- Speaking 24
- Writing 25
*All subcategory minimum scores must be satisfied.
Other Requirement Instructions
Supplemental applications must be emailed directly to AGE Admissions.
The non-refundable HSDM Application Fee of $95 can be paid 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.
International Student Eligibility
This program will consider applicants who graduated, or plan to graduate, from a non-CODA accredited dental school: Yes
Applicants are eligible to enroll if they are:
- US Citizen
- US Permanent Resident
- Canadian Citizen
- Canadian Permanent Resident
- Non-US Citizen/Resident (applicant must obtain their own sponsorship)
Additional Information
NOTE:
Please do not submit any of the following to HSDM: transcripts, resumes/CVs, letter of recommendation, portfolios, research papers, etc. All materials submitted to PASS will suffice for the application process.