Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Last updated on April 4, 2025.

Harvard School of Dental Medicine

Program Size
4 (estimate)
Program Length
34 months
Application Deadline
January 15
Program Start
June 29

Program Contact

Admissions
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
188 Longwood Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115
Francesca Gori PhD Program Director
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The DMSc Degree in Oral Biology Research offers an unparalleled three-year (minimum) structured Doctor of Medical Sciences (DMSc-only) research-intensive degree in oral biology. Under the mentorship of world-renowned scientists, participants undertake an intensive research training experience. The goal of the program is to train academic researchers in oral and craniofacial biology and skeletogenesis in the best possible scientific environment, and thus provide superior research leadership to institutions and countries around the globe. The program includes required coursework, laboratory rotations, a qualifying examination, and a thesis proposal and will culminate in a rigorous DMSc dissertation. Coursework will include a core of HSDM courses, including research methods, biochemistry, biostatistics, genetics, cell and molecular biology, and seminar presentations. In addition, each student will take elective courses in disciplines relevant to the student’s research theme.

For application information: please visit the HSDM AGE Admissions web page
 
For program specific information: please visit the HSDM Oral Biology Research web page.

Program Information

Accreditation This program is offered by a CODA-accredited institution
Program Type Oral Biology
Program Code OB1031
Degrees Offered Other
Program Size 4 (estimate)
Program Length 34 months
Application Deadline January 15
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, in addition to official dental school transcripts. Do not email or mail college transcripts directly to the Office of Admissions.

Letters of Evaluation Instructions

If you do not have an Institution Evaluation Form (IEF) from your Dean's office, we will accept an IEF from a program you did after dental school; such as a specialty program. The evaluation can also be from a Principal Investigator.

One of the Professional Evaluation Forms (PEF) must be from your most recent academic director and/or employer (if applicable).

It is highly recommended that candidates include a research mentor as a PEF.

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. Rules on additional requirements of research portfolio and research statement are on the supplemental application.

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 (program offers sponsorship)
  • Harvard School of Dental Medicine offers visa sponsorship.

Additional Information

Applicants may apply to one program per academic year. HSDM will not consider applicants for multiple programs

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.

For application information: please visit the HSDM AGE Admissions web page
 
For program specific information: please visit the HSDM Oral Biology Research web page.