harvard dental school requirements

Transcripts, scores of standardized tests like TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, resumes, essays (course-specific requirements), and a minimum average of 70% are harvard dental school requirements.

harvard dental school requirements, columbia dental school requirements, upenn dental school requirements, ucla dental school requirements, harvard dental school fees, boston university dental school requirements, etc. are provided in the following pages. For more verified and detailed information on harvard dental school requirements, visit Collegelearners.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants to the DMD program must earn at least a bachelor’s degree by the time of enrollment. All prerequisite courses must be completed by the time of matriculation. Candidates are required to take the following courses at a U.S. or Canadian institution to be considered for admission:

Course	Required	Recommended	Lab Required	Credit Hours*	Semesters
Biochemistry	x			3	1
Biology	x		x	8	2
Inorganic or General chemistry	x		x	8	2
Organic chemistry	x		x	8	2
Physics	x		x	8	2
English	x			6	2
Calculus I, II**	x			6	1 or 2
Statistics  **	x			3	1 or 0
Cell biology		x
Microbiology		x

* Credit hours for Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics assume a 4 credit course/semester. Students from universities operating on different credit-hour systems are required to complete the equivalent of two full semesters.

**Mathematical Skills/Computational Science literacy is essential for a career in the health sciences. This requirement may be fulfilled by two semesters of calculus or one semester of calculus and one semester of statistics (preferably biostatistics).

The Admissions Committee strongly advises applicants to complete the prerequisite coursework, particularly the science courses, at a four year institution. However, HSDM accepts community college coursework and Advanced Placement (AP) credits.

DMD Application Process 2021-2022

In Response to COVID-19:
Admissions understands that there are aspects of the admissions process that may be out of students’ control this cycle. Admissions remains committed to a holistic and careful review of every application during these uncertain times. We have made the following updates for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Interview Format:
TBD

Pass/Fail Credit
We understand that many schools are offering students the option to take courses for pass/fail credit, or have transitioned entirely to a pass/fail curriculum. HSDM will accept pass/fail credit for the following semesters: spring 2020, summer 2020, fall 2020, spring 2021, summer 2021.

Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
We understand that some applicants’ plans to take the DAT have been impacted by test rescheduling to allow for social distancing or the temporary closure of DAT test centers due to COVID-19. In response to this, HSDM will accept unofficial DAT scores this cycle. Admissions will also consider DAT scores valid for three years from the start of the application cycle. For 2021-2022 applicants, HSDM will accept DAT scores taken after June 15, 2018. We encourage applicants whose test dates have been affected to reschedule their DAT as soon as possible and to email HSDM Admissions unofficial scores to expedite the review process. Please note that the Admissions Committee will require official DAT scores prior to releasing admissions decisions.

We will continue to provide any application updates on this page. 

HSDM’s Coronavirus Response with FAQ’s

Keep abreast of steps HSDM is taking to combat the threat of Coronavirus

——————————————————————————————————

Application

Applications to the Harvard School of Dental Medicine are available through the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) AADSAS application service. Visit http://www.adea.org for more information.

Deadline

HSDM’s deadline to apply for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle is December 15, 2021.Applications must be completed by January 1, 2022 to be considered for admission. A completed application consists of the AADSAS application, letters of recommendation, DAT, and HSDM application fee. Applications incomplete after  January 1, 2022 will be denied.

Application Components

AADSAS application

Official transcripts (submitted to AADSAS) – Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.

Letters of evaluation (submitted via AADSAS) – HSDM requires three individual letters of evaluation or one letter from a Pre-Health Committee. Three individual letters should be from faculty members who can speak to an applicant’s academic abilities and potential for success in the program and field. At least two of these letters must be from professors in the sciences. Students may choose to submit a fourth letter of evaluation. Please note: HSDM does not accept personal references.

Official DAT scores (submitted via AADSAS) – U.S. or Canadian

HSDM Application Fee* ($80 in U.S. funds; credit card accepted)  Anon-refundable application fee must be submitted no later than January 1 to be considered for admission. Once an application has been received, HSDM Admissions will email instructions for submitting an online payment. Please be sure to include the Applicant’s Name and AADSAS ID on the payment. Cash is not accepted.

*Applicants who receive an ADEA AADSAS fee waiver or who are a member or veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces are eligible for a waiver of the HSDM application fee. Email a copy of the ADEA AADSAS fee waiver or proof of service to the Admissions Office at hsdm_dmd_admissions@hsdm.harvard.edu

Timeline

Process

Application processing begins in mid-June of each year. HSDM applicants will receive the following communications via email:

• Acknowledgement of the receipt of the application.
• A one-time email detailing outstanding application materials.
• Notification when the application is complete and has been forwarded to the Admissions Committee for screening.

Screening

HSDM has no minimum GPA or DAT requirement; rather, all completed applications are read in their entirety to assess all aspects of a candidate’s academic and personal experience.

Applications are screened on a rolling basis by date of completion beginning in July until all completed applications are read by the Committee. 

The majority of applications are received in June, July, and August.  Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Interview

Admissions will contact candidates selected for an interview by phone.  Interviews are generally held on Thursdays and Fridays from September through February.  Invited applicants may select the most convenient interview date based on the options we provide.  

Invited candidates will be asked to submit the following in advance of their interview day:

• HSDM Supplemental Questionnaire

For additional information about the interview process, click here.

Offers of Admission

By agreement among ADEA AADSAS schools, offers of admission will begin on a predetermined date in December 2021.  After this date, offers are made on a rolling basis. Places in the entering class remain available until all invited candidates complete the interview process. The class selection is ordinarily completed in February.

Waitlist

Candidates placed on the Waitlist remain under consideration for admission until the class matriculates. The Waitlist is not ranked; rather, candidates are comprehensively reviewed again before admission is offered. Notification of admission from the Waitlist may occur at any time between March and August.  

Candidates who are denied admission based on the Committee review will be notified sometime in February. Candidates interviewed and denied after December will be notified on a rolling basis following the Committee review.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-requisite Courses

Do I have to complete all prerequisite courses before I apply?

Pre-requisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation. We recommend that applicants take a majority of the prerequisite courses prior to taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). Applicants should list any planned courses on the AADSAS application. An offer of admission is contingent on the successful completion of all prerequisite courses prior to enrollment.

Would upper level Biology coursework satisfy the pre-requisite?

Yes, the two semester Biology requirement, including labs, can be met with upper level Biology courses.

Would an accelerated Chemistry course fulfill the prerequisite?

At this time, applicants are required to complete two semesters of General Chemistry and two semesters of Organic Chemistry. However, students may submit a request to the Admissions Committee upon acceptance to have alternative coursework approved. Please note that pre-requisite courses do not need to be completed by the time of applying or interviewing, but rather by the time of potential matriculation, so there would be time for students to complete any outstanding pre-requisites if necessary. 

Does HSDM accept pass/fail credits?

HSDM strongly encourages applicants to complete pre-requisite courses, particularly the science courses, for a letter grade. However, we do accept courses pass/fail.

Update regarding pass/fail credits for the spring and summer 2020 semesters:

In response to COVID-19, we understand that many schools are offering students the option to take spring and summer 2020 courses for pass/fail credit, or have transitioned entirely to a pass/fail curriculum. HSDM will accept pass/fail credit for the spring and summer 2020 semesters and remains committed to a holistic and careful review of every application during these uncertain times.

Will AP or IB credits fulfill the HSDM prerequisite courses?

Applicants are strongly advised to take pre-requisite courses, particularly science courses, at the college level, preferably at a four-year institution. However, HSDM will accept AP credits provided that an applicant’s undergraduate university accepts these courses for credit and they appear on the transcript. Unfortunately, we do not accept IB credits.

Preparing to Apply

Do you offer tours of the school to prospective applicants?

HSDM is typically unable to provide tours as the majority of the School is a clinical setting. However, applicants who are selected for an interview will be given a full tour of the School and will also have an opportunity to meet with current DMD students.

What subject should I major in?

Though many candidates choose to major in the sciences, applicants may pursue any academic major of their choice as long as they demonstrate strong preparation in the sciences, including successful completion of the pre-requisite coursework. The Admissions Committee seeks candidates who will be active and involved members of the class, who are from diverse backgrounds, and who have a variety of interests, talents, skills, and knowledge as we believe that a diverse student body will contribute to a well-rounded class and a vibrant School.

If I pursue a gap year, what do you recommend I do during this time?

HSDM encourages applicants to spend their gap year/s pursuing something meaningful to them (e.g. work, travel, research, or community service). However, the Admissions Committee also recommends that applicants continue to demonstrate their interest in oral health.

How long are DAT scores valid?

HSDM considers DAT scores valid for two years from the start of the application cycle.

For the 2020 – 2021 application cycle, Admissions will consider DAT scores valid for three years from the start of the application cycle in response to the limitations of DAT exam availability. HSDM will accept DAT scores taken after June 15, 2017 for 2020-2021 applicants.

I have been out of school for a few years. Am I still eligible to apply?

Yes. There is no expiration date on pre-requisite courses; these may be completed at any U.S. or Canadian institution. Similarly, letters of evaluation will be accepted from faculty members at any institution where you completed courses or conducted research.

What is the cutoff for DAT scores and GPA’s?

HSDM reviews completed applications holistically and makes admissions decisions based on a comprehensive review. HSDM does not have minimum DAT scores or GPA requirements; however, admitted students typically have at least a 3.4 GPA and an Academic Average of at least 20.

Do I need to have a research experience in order to apply?

Research is not an admissions requirement at HSDM; however, we believe it is a fundamental part of your education. All DMD students participate in a research or scholarly project. These projects vary in scope.

Who should write my letters of recommendation?

HSDM requires three letters of recommendation, and will accept a maximum of four. At least three of these letters must be from faculty members, and at least two of the letters must be from science professors. Alternatively, a composite letter of recommendation from a pre-health advising committee will meet the requirement for letters of recommendation; no other letters need to be submitted if a letter is written by a committee on the applicant’s behalf. All letters must be submitted through AADSAS.

Letters of recommendation should be written by professors who know the applicant in an academic setting: either they have taught a course that the candidate has taken or they have overseen the applicant’s academic work as an academic advisor, research mentor, or thesis mentor. Applicants should be confident that professors are able to write a personalized letter and are in a position assess the candidate’s academic abilities. Oftentimes, professors and teaching assistants will collaborate in letter writing for students in larger lecture classes; HSDM will accept coauthored letters.

Professional letters of recommendation—for example, letters from a boss or a dentist an applicant has shadowed—may be submitted as a fourth letter of recommendation.

How many hours of shadowing are required to apply to Harvard?

HSDM does not have a minimum required number of dental shadowing hours. We expect candidates to demonstrate familiarity with the field.

What is the average GPA and DAT of students who are accepted?

The average GPA and DAT of the most recently admitted class was a 3.85 and 22 (Academic Average) respectively.  However, HSDM does not have GPA or DAT minimums; we consider the entire application in making admissions decisions.

May I retake the DAT?

We are only able to review each application once. If an applicant plans to retake the DAT, the applicant must notify Admissions by e-mail and request that their application be placed on hold pending updated DAT scores. The applicant should indicate the approximate date of the exam, and it is the applicant’s obligation to notify Admissions when the hold should be removed; Otherwise, the application may not be reviewed.

Application Process

How do I pay the application fee?

Once an application has been processed, HSDM Admissions will email instructions for submitting the $80 application fee online. Please be sure to include your full name and AADSAS ID on the order so that Admissions can match submitted application fees with the appropriate application.  The application fee is waived in certain cirucmstances. If you believe you qualify, please notify us by email at hsdm_dmd_admissions@hsdm.harvard.edu.

When is an application considered complete?

An application is considered complete once Admissions has received an applicant’s verified AADSAS application, a nonrefundable processing fee of $80, three letters of evaluation from faculty members (i.e. academic references) or a pre-health committee letter, and official DAT scores.

Note: The most frequently missing application requirement is a third letter of evaluation from a faculty member. This letter may be from an academic reference such as a non-science professor, research mentor, or academic advisor. Please note that a letter of evaluation from a dentist that an applicant has shadowed would be considered with the rest of the applicant’s  application, but would not fulfill our requirement. Applicants who have used up their allotted spaces on AADSAS should ask their faculty member to email their letter to Admissions.

How will I know if my application is complete?

HSDM Admissions sends applicants an email notification when the application has been received and when the application is complete. If the application is incomplete, the applicant will receive a one-time notification outlining which pieces of the application are missing. Applicants may also refer to the WebAdmit portal for status updates.

May I receive feedback about my application?

We are a small admissions office in a small school and, unfortunately, are not able to counsel applicants or provide application feedback. Students who are not accepted are welcome to reapply in the following cycle

International Applicants

Do you accept international students?

Yes.  International students are eligible to apply to HSDM provided they have completed all of the prerequisite courses at a college or university in the United States or Canada. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree from another country are advised to spend at least one year at a US college or university to become familiar with the US educational system.

Do you offer an Advanced Standing program for internationally trained dentists?

HSDM does not offer an official advanced standing program. Internationally trained dentists who wish to obtain a U.S. dental degree may apply to the DMD program and are required to complete the full four-year program. Harvard’s postdoctoral programs accept internationally trained dentists. Please see the Advanced Graduate Education (AGE) Programs page for more information on applications to HSDM’s postdoctoral programs.

Will HSDM grant me a visa?

Upon acceptance to an HSDM program, applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor Permanent Residents of the United States will receive information related to obtaining an F-1 or J-1 visa. Proof of adequate financial resources must be presented for HSDM to begin the process. Funds must be in U.S. dollars and students’ (or sponsors’) accounts must be in a U.S. bank. More information about the visa process is available on the Harvard International Office’s website.

Miscellaneous

How is COVID-19 Affecting the Application Process?

In Response to COVID-19:
Admissions understands that there are aspects of the admissions process that are out of students’ control this cycle. Admissions remains committed to a holistic and careful review of every application during these uncertain times.

We have made the following updates for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle in response to the COVID-19 pandemic:

Pass/Fail Credit
We understand that many schools are offering students the option to take spring and summer 2020 courses for pass/fail credit, or have transitioned entirely to a pass/fail curriculum. HSDM will accept pass/fail credit for the spring and summer 2020 semesters.

Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
We understand that some applicants’ plans to take the DAT have been impacted by test rescheduling to allow for social distancing or the temporary closure of DAT test centers due to COVID-19. In response to this, Admissions will consider DAT scores valid for three years from the start of the application cycle. For 2020-2021 applicants, HSDM will accept DAT scores taken after June 15, 2017. We encourage applicants whose test dates have been affected to reschedule their DATs as soon as possible and to email HSDM Admissions unofficial scores to expedite the review process. Please note that the Admissions Committee will require official DAT scores prior to releasing admissions decisions.

We will continue to provide any policy updates on this page.

HSDM’s Coronavirus Response with FAQ’s

Keep abreast of steps HSDM is taking to combat the threat of Coronavirus

Does HSDM offer externships or elective periods?

The facilities at HSDM can only accommodate current HSDM students; unfortunately, we are not able to offer electives, externships, or exchange periods of study to non-HSDM students.