DDS Vs DMD: What Is The Difference?

Are you curious about the difference between a DMD and a DDS? Many people wonder if these two dental degrees are truly distinct or if they are essentially the same. It may confuse you, especially when you need to choose the right dentist.

Both DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) are respected degrees given to dental professionals. Although the titles may sound different, the core qualifications and the training behind each degree are nearly identical.

In this blog post, we’ll explore what DMD and DDS mean, what each degree represents, and what the educational paths are like to earn them. Let’s dive in and clear up the confusion!

What Does DDS Mean in Dentistry and What is a DDS Dental Degree?

The DDS degree stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. This degree was first awarded by the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1840 to start formal dental education in the United States. Since then, many dental schools have adopted the DDS title, which has become synonymous with dental education in the U.S.

Though the title Doctor of Dental Surgery might suggest a focus on surgery, the DDS degree actually covers a broad spectrum of dental practices. This includes preventive care, restorative treatments, and surgical procedures. 

While the name may seem to imply a more limited scope, the DDS qualification is practically equivalent to the DMD degree in terms of the skills and services it encompasses.

What Does DMD Stand For in Dentistry and What Is A DMD Degree?

The DMD degree stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. The term “DMD” originated from Harvard University, which established its dental school in 1867. It is one of the two primary doctoral degrees awarded to dental professionals in the United States.

Since Harvard awarded all its degrees in Latin, the school opted to use the Latin translation of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) which became Doctoris Medicinae Dentariae—or DMD in short. 

The DMD degree is a professional doctoral program that qualifies a person to practice general dentistry. A DMD dentist is trained in all areas of oral health, including preventive care, diagnosis, restorative treatments, and minor oral surgeries. 

Difference Between DDS and DMD in Dentistry

When comparing DDS and DMD, there is no major difference between the two. Both degrees require the same qualifications, courses and training. 

Here’s a look at the paths both degrees offer to students who want to become dentists.

Category	DMD	DDS
Degree	Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine	Doctor of Dental Surgery
Education	Bachelor’s degree followed by 4 years of dental school; 2 years classroom, 2 years clinical rotations	Bachelor’s degree followed by 4 years of dental school; 2 years classroom, 2 years clinical rotations
Training	Clinical rotations with real patients under supervision	Clinical rotations with real patients under supervision
Graduation	Graduates with DMD and are licensed to practice general dentistry	Graduates with DDS and are licensed to practice general dentistry
Services Offered	Cleanings, fillings, crowns, and a variety of oral health treatments	Tooth extractions, preventive care, restorative care, and general dentistry

What Schools Award a DMD Degree?

Several prestigious dental schools award the DMD degree. These schools, among others, have chosen to grant the DMD degree to reflect their specific traditions and emphasis on the medical aspects of dentistry. 

However, the training and expertise provided at these institutions are no different from those at DDS-granting schools. Some of the notable institutions include:

• Harvard University
  
• University of Pennsylvania
  
• University of Puerto Rico

What Schools Award a DDS Degree?

On the other hand, many renowned dental schools across the U.S. award the DDS degree. These universities were established before Harvard. They have continued the tradition of awarding the DDS degree. 

The DDS degree has become synonymous with dental practice in the U.S. These institutes include:

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
  
• University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
  
• Columbia University

The Education and Training: DMD Vs DDS

The education provided in both DMD and DDS programs is fundamentally the same. In both cases, dental school students must complete a four-year program after earning a bachelor’s degree. 

The first two years are spent in classrooms learning the theory behind dentistry, covering subjects such as:

• Anatomy
  
• Physiology
  
• Biochemistry
  
• Pharmacology
  
• Oral Pathology
  
• Oral Histology
  
• Microbiology
  
• Dental Materials
  
• Biostatistics
  
• Medical Ethics

The last two years of the program focus on clinical training, where students treat real patients under supervision. This includes performing dental exams, learning surgical techniques, and gaining hands-on experience in various aspects of dental care.

Career Path and Job Prospects: DDS Vs DMD

The flexibility to specialize is available for both DDS and DMD graduates, and it offers diverse career options. Both DDS and DMD graduates can pursue similar career paths in general dentistry, including opportunities in private practice, dental clinics, hospitals, and public health organizations. They can also specialize in areas like:

• Orthodontics
  
• Endodontics
  
• Periodontics
  
• Pediatric Dentistry

Is One Degree More Prestigious Than the Other?

Despite their historical differences, DMD and DDS degrees are equally prestigious. The American Dental Association (ADA) maintains that both degrees are equivalent in terms of educational requirements and career opportunities. 

Whether a dentist has a DDS or a DMD after their name, their qualifications are identical in the eyes of the dental profession.

Final Words

So, DMD and DDS dentists are equally qualified and capable of providing high-quality dental care. The main difference lies in the name of the degree, which does not affect the dentist’s ability to treat patients. 

Choosing a dentist should be based on their skills, experience, and communication, not the title of their degree. When seeking a dentist, focus on finding someone with the right skills and expertise for your needs. 

Do not let the degree title fool you. As both DMD and DDS dentists are highly trained professionals, they are equally qualified to provide the care you deserve.

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