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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD) Dental School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Boston, MA, United StatesEstablished 1867Interviews October–FebruaryDecisions March (rolling)
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Full guide

How to get into Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD) dentistry

Step-by-step: entry requirements, DAT prep, personal statement, interview format and the key deadlines.

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Interview guide

Prepare for the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD) interview

Format breakdown, school-specific sample questions, FAQs and prep tips from tutors who interviewed here.

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Overview

About Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM), founded in 1867, is one of the oldest and most prestigious dental schools in the world. Located in Boston's Longwood Medical Area, HSDM offers a distinctive 4-year DMD program closely integrated with Harvard Medical School, enabling dental students to take medical school coursework alongside MD students. The school produces a large proportion of academic dental leaders and clinician-scientists.

What makes it different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. HSDM is the only dental school in the US where dental students share core curricula with MD students. The Harvard name and small class size produce extraordinary alumni networks. Research opportunities through Harvard's broad biomedical sciences ecosystem.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DMD program uniquely integrated with Harvard Medical School — HSDM students take core basic science courses alongside HMS MD students in Years 1–2. Years 3–4: clinical rotations and electives at HSDM's Dental Center and affiliated Harvard hospitals. Strong research emphasis throughout.

Research strengths

Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD) has notable research strength in Craniofacial biology, Oral microbiology, Bone and tissue regeneration, Oral cancer, Dental materials science.

Interview

Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD) interviews via Traditional one-on-one faculty interview.

Intake

Approximately 35 students per year (one of the smallest intakes of any US dental school).

At a glance

Founded in 1867, based in Boston, MA. Programmes offered: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontology, Restorative Dentistry, Dental Research, Craniofacial Biology.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree required. DAT required. Applications submitted via ADEA AADSAS. Interview required. HSDM expects outstanding academic achievement, research experience, and significant dental healthcare exposure. CASPer is not currently required — check current HSDM admissions guidance each cycle.
GPA median
3.85 overall / 3.82 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
2.5%
Class size
35
In-state preference
None
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Research excellence, academic achievement, dental experience, intellectual curiosity.
Notes
GPA medians hedged estimates. DAT Academic Average approximately 24.9 (HSDM-reported average for the 2024-25 entering class). Acceptance rate approximate. DAT score (not MCAT) is the relevant admissions test. CASPer requirement varies by cycle — verify current HSDM admissions guidance; casperRequired set false as the conservative default.
Specialities offered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontology, Restorative Dentistry, Dental Research, Craniofacial Biology
Interview

How Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one faculty interview
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
March (rolling)
Post-interview chances
Very low acceptance rate (~2–3%); post-interview decisions highly selective.
Tutor insight
HSDM is among the most selective dental schools in the world. Research experience, ideally in oral or biomedical sciences, is virtually required. Interviewers probe intellectual depth, research narrative, and motivation for dentistry — a clear story about why dental medicine (not medicine) is essential. The integrated curriculum with HMS is central to HSDM's identity; show genuine enthusiasm for the medical-dental integration model.
Practice

Practise for your Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD)

Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

MediumPanel · MMIQ1

Why a CODA-Accredited U.S. Dental Education

Every dental program you are applying to is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, and graduating from a CODA-accredited program is what makes you eligible for U.S. licensure through pathways like the INBDE. Explain what you understand CODA accreditation to mean and why it matters, and reflect on what you are specifically seeking from a U.S. dental education.

Likely follow-up · Why does it matter to a future patient, not just to you, that your dental school is CODA-accredited?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
EasyPanel · MMIQ2

Service in a School-Based Dental Sealant Program

School-based dental sealant programs are one of the most cost-effective public health interventions in oral health, with evidence showing that sealants reduce the risk of cavities in permanent molar teeth by approximately 80% and that programs targeting lower-income schools dramatically reduce decay-related disparities. You have been volunteering as a sealant application assistant with a public health team in a Title I elementary school district for the past year. Describe what this service has taught you about the intersection of oral health, child development, and structural poverty, and how it has shaped your vision for the role of dentists in public health.

Likely follow-up · A parent sends a note to the school asking that her child not receive a sealant, citing concerns she read online that sealants contain BPA. How would you or the dentist respond to this concern?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Open Prometheus for Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD)Browse 1,106 free questions →
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DAT & Admissions

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Interview preparation

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Personal statement help

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FAQ

Harvard School of Dental Medicine (DMD) — frequently asked questions

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Other Boston, MA dental schools

BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine (DMD)Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (DMD)

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