In response to: "One thing I've been told consistently about Harvard is that they take very few (if any) students that do not have BS degrees. They really want science majors interested in dental research."
I'm currently a 1st year at HSDM and my background was in politics. A large portion of the people I spoke with also did not major in science. Likewise, although many people in our class -did- have prior research experience, many many many of us (including me) did -not- have any research background (let alone dental research).
It's true that HSDM values research, but it is not true that you *must* have a background in research in order to be accepted. The reason why they teach us to *value* research (and the reason why they require us to undertake some kind of research project during our 4 years here) is so that we will be able to read and understand dental research (articles, journals, etc.) in the future when we are practicing dentists. Dentistry is a constantly changing field (new materials, techniques, etc.) and they train us to not only be competent dentists when we graduate, but to also be *responsible* dentists who keep up with current literature/research so that we can continually improve our abilities and skills. Of course, research has a great value to the profession in general and they remind us of that too. But in no way, does that mean that you *have* to have research experience in order to gain acceptance or to do well here.
For example, I for one am not big into research. I don't plan on going into academics (unless it's a part-time clinical instructor on the side...just cause i think it'd be fun to teach students) and i don't plan on being a dental researcher when I graduate. It's true that there's a research requirement but it doesn't have to be limited to *dental* research. It can be in any field (they are very encouraging and explicit about letting us research anything that interests us -- anything!
🙂 ). Also, the research project isn't this big scary looming requirement -- it's very low key and intended to be a learning experience. It's just to give us some exposure to what research is like. Believe me, I'm not crazy about research, but I'm totally not stressing over the requirement. If *I'm* not stressing over it (and i remind you that i don't have any background in research, and my background is *not* in science), then I don't think future/current applicants need worry.
HSDM is a wonderful place. Everyday I feel really really happy to be here. Given my personality, the way I like to work, how I like to keep things low key and happy, I find Harvard to be the perfect place for me.
🙂 Everynight I do my work, study with friends, have study breaks with people in my hall, and I try to get to bed by midnight (though it usually ends up being 1am or so). But i get to sleep 7 - 7.5 hours every night and feel good when I wake up. I enjoy my classes, have some of my afternoons off to go study (or more likely, to go play wiffle ball on the quad or go running with a classmate or what not). The people here are really fantastic. The opportunities that you're given are incredible. I feel like I'm getting the best of both worlds because not only am i learning a lot of interesting things, but I'm also having a lot of time to have fun and spend time with friends. It's been a very positive experience for me here.
If any of you have any questions at all about the school, don't hesitate to post them here, private message me, or even go to harvardasda.org and post questions on the forums. There are a definitely misconceptions about what it takes to get into HSDM, what it's like here, etc. I had those very exact same misconceptions when I applied so I know where you're coming from. But, after getting in and experiencing almost all of 1st year, I feel like I'd be able to answer most of your questions about the place. And there are plenty of ppl here who would be willing to answer questions. \
For those of you who have already gotten in and are wondering what the dorms are like, what textbooks to buy (even though you can just wait till you get here...which is what everyone did), please please don't hesitate to ask. All of us HSDMers here can't wait to meet the incoming 1st years and to help you settle down for an awesome 1st year here!
🙂 
