Combined Degree Programs

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DMD/MS Program

As the importance of evidenced-based dentistry grows, the need for dental students to think critically and use scientific support for decision-making also increases. The combined Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master of Science in Dental Research (DMD/MS) will allow a select group of DMD candidates the opportunity to enroll in TUSDM’s Master of Science in Dental Research program, earning both degrees in five years. Aspiring dentists will be prepared to be better clinicians by taking part in the scientific process and bringing an evidence-based perspective to clinical practice, as well as improving their ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary research team addressing issues of behavioral, environmental, socioeconomic and genetic factors in human disease in general, and specifically in dental, oral and craniofacial diseases.

Dentists with advanced degrees are in great demand to serve as faculty at dental schools where, in addition to clinical responsibilities and teaching, they will have the ability to conduct research and mentor students.

Program and Courses

For the combined DMD/MS program, students must successfully complete all of the requirements for each degree.

In addition to the DMD didactic and clinical requirements, students in the combined program will need to earn an additional 40 credits. Of those, 18 will be earned by participating in research, 11 will be earned from the 7 core MS courses (listed below). The remaining 11 credits will be earned by either elective courses in the Advanced and Graduate Education curriculum, some of which are available online via TUSK, or certain DMD courses.

Core Courses

Introduction to Research
Scientific and Technical Writing
Critical Evaluation of Scientific Literature
Introduction of Biostatistics
Principles of Biostatistics
Epidemiology & Critical Thinking in the Practice of Dentistry
Biostatistics/Epidemiology II

To apply

First year students in good standing at TUSDM with a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 (or 85%) are welcome to apply. A mentor and a research project must be identified before applying. Two letters of recommendation, one from the student’s mentor, as well as a personal statement, are also required. The application deadline is April 15.

DMD/MPH

There is a gap between research findings, oral disease prevention, health promotion practices and knowledge of the public and the health professions. Public health dentists promote oral health by:

  • Assessing the oral health needs of the community
  • Developing and implementing oral health policy
  • Providing programs and services that address oral health issues

The combined program will allow academically excellent students to earn the DMD and Master of Public Health degree in less time than would be required to complete both programs consecutively.

Program Highlights

  • 4.5 or 5-year combined program
  • Apply to the program during second year of DMD program
  • 13 MPH credits in addition to DMD curriculum
  • Both degrees conferred upon completion of the program

Sample Curriculum

Principles of Biostatistics (w/lab)
Health Behavior and Health Communication
Principles of Epidemiology
Public Health and Health Care
Introduction to Occupational and Environmental Health
Public Health Research Methods
ALE Planning
Healthcare Organization: Budgeting and Management
ALE Implementation
Electives

Application Process

Students can apply to the program during their second year of dental education. Admission to the DMD/MPH program is a two-step process:
1) Students must submit a personal narrative to dmdmph@tufts.edu

Describe your career objectives and why you are interested in dental public health training. The DMD/MPH combined program admissions committee will review the applications. The committee looks for academic achievement and demonstrated interest and activities in dental public health. Applicants with an interest in becoming board certified in dental public health will be given preference for admission. Interested students should submit their narrative by December 1 for consideration to enroll in the fall, and September 15 for consideration to enroll in the spring.

2) If recommended by the committee for admissions to the DMD/MPH program, students must then complete a separate application to the MPH program and be accepted by the admissions committee of the MPH program. Requirements of the application are listed here: http://publichealth.tufts.edu/Admissions/Apply-to-PHPD-Programs/DMDMPH

Interested Applicant Info Sheet

Tufts DMD MPH Program Brochure

Tufts DMD MPH Trifold Brochure

TUSDM Seven Year BS/DMD Joint Degree Program

Tufts undergraduates who are completing their first year are eligible to apply for a program which will allow them to complete their undergraduate degree in the College of Liberal Arts and their degree at TUSDM in seven years rather than the traditional eight. Applications will be accepted between March 1 and April 1 each year. Interviews will be conducted in late April and preliminary acceptance letters mailed out in May.

Successful candidates for the program will likely have maintained a 3.2 GPA overall, a 3.2 GPA in dental school prerequisite courses, and will earn competitive DAT scores. Final acceptance to the seven-year program will be made after conclusion of the second year of study at Tufts and review of the DAT examination results.

Applicants to the program will have completed either the introductory chemistry or the introductory biology sequence by the end of their freshman year. Students in the program will most likely have to take courses over the summer in order to fulfill all requirements. While only seven years of academic tuition will be charged, there will be additional charges for summer school courses.

Students matriculating in this program will have to declare their intended major at the point of communicating their intention to be part of this initiative. Participants will develop an individualized plan of study in consultation with their major advisor, pre-health profession advisor and the Dean of Admissions at the Dental School. Students can opt out of the accelerated seven-year program agreement and complete both degrees in the traditional eight-year timeframe; however, they will incur eight years of tuition.

Download the BS/DMD Seven-Year Combined Degree Application (PDF).

For more information on the B.S./D.M.D. program please visit the Tufts Undergraduate B.S/D.M.D page.

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Eight Year Early Assurance Program

Tufts University and Tufts Dental School have also established a program that allows students to complete their Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in eight years. Students apply to the program after during the spring of their Sophomore year. Conditional acceptance is granted after an interview at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Final acceptance is granted after students complete four years of undergraduate study and maintain minimum academic standards. Students will also be required to attend a final interview during the fall of their senior year.

Download the Eight Year Early Assurance Program Application (PDF).