Harvard School of Dental Medicine
- Massachusetts
- Periodontics
- hsdm.harvard.edu
Program Contact
The Division of Periodontology of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) has been dedicated to the mission of educating leaders for careers in patient care, research and academics. This mission, achieved through excellence in clinical training linked to critical thinking and the scientific method, has enabled our graduates to achieve success in private practice; in full time academics (in both faculty and administrative roles); in leadership positions in national dental organizations such as the American Dental Association, American Academy of Periodontology and the International Association for Dental Research; and in discovery level and clinical research.
This academic program trains individuals to become clinical scholars in the field of periodontology. All residents are required to complete an advanced degree (MMSc or DMSc) in conjunction with the periodontology certificate. Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue careers in academics, research, and clinical practice. The clinical component of the training is closely coupled with training in a related discipline, such as biomedical research or health care delivery and research. In the clinical component of the program, the student is expected to become proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of periodontal disease, including the management of advanced cases, which require interaction with other clinical disciplines.
Program Information
| Accreditation | This program is accredited by CODA |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Periodontics |
| Program Code | PERIO819 |
| Degrees Offered | Masters, Other |
| Program Size | 4 (estimate) |
| Program Length | 33-45 months |
| Application Deadline | August 1 |
| 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
- INBDE
- NBDE1
- NBDE2
- TOEFL
- Passing the INBDE before matriculation into the advanced dental education program
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).
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
Official NBDE/INBDE scores are not required at the point of application, but must be submitted prior to matriculation for domestic applicants. Scores are recommended but not required for international candidates.
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 (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.