Harvard School of Dental Medicine
- Massachusetts
- Oral Biology
- hsdm.harvard.edu
Program Contact
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.
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 | July 1 |
| Supplemental Application | Yes, Link, Supplemental applications must be emailed directly to age_admissions@hsdm.harvard.edu. |
| Supplemental Fee | Yes, $95 |
| 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
In addition to submitting official dental school transcripts, applicants must upload unofficial transcripts of any degree obtained to the ADEA PASS application. This includes ECE/WES transcript evaluations (including original international transcripts), undergraduate, and graduate degrees. Do not email or mail institution transcripts directly to 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. If you do not have either of these, please contact Admissions.
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 who only have international academic degrees must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores.
HSDM TOEFL minimum test scores
| Category | Tests taken before January 21, 2026* | Tests taken after January 21, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
|
Overall score
|
90
|
4.5
|
|
Speaking
|
23
|
4.5
|
|
Writing
|
21
|
4.5
|
|
Reading
|
21
|
4.5
|
|
Listening
|
17
|
4.5
|
*Acceptable scores have been slightly adjusted from the official TOEFL score conversion ranges to ensure compliance with Massachusetts dental licensure regulations while maintaining HSDM’s previous minimum score standards.
TOEFL waiver criteria
HSDM will waive the TOEFL requirement for applicants who have earned a qualifying degree from an accredited institution in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, or New Zealand, where English was the primary language of instruction.
Eligible degrees include:
- Bachelor’s degree (e.g., BA, BS)
- Master’s degree (minimum two-year program; e.g., MS, MA, MPH)
- Doctoral degree (e.g., PhD, EdD)
- Dental degree (DDS or DMD)
For the full TOEFL Requirement Instructions, please visit our website here.
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.
Interview Schedule
Each individual academic department oversees the interview process for their program and will directly contact candidates selected for interview. Please note that Admissions does not coordinate interviews.
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.