So, you’re wondering what DMD stands for? It stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. It’s the degree you get when you graduate from dental school and are ready to practice dentistry.
The aim of this article is to clear up any confusion about the DMD degree, particularly its relationship to the DDS degree. You might be surprised to learn that although the acronyms are different, the degrees are not.
What does DMD stand for?
DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. It’s one of two degrees that qualify people to become dentists.
The other degree is DDS, which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Both degrees are accredited, and they both meet the same high standards.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) decides what each school must teach to award the DMD and DDS degrees.
If someone graduates with either degree, they are equally qualified to work as a general dentist. Both DMD and DDS graduates can take the same national board exams.
DMD vs. DDS: What’s the difference?
If you’re thinking of going to dental school, you may be wondering whether there’s a difference between a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
Here’s the short answer: they’re equivalent degrees. You’ll get the same education whether you pursue a DMD or a DDS, and the American Dental Association (ADA) confirms that there’s no difference between the two degrees. If you graduate from either program, you’re equally qualified to practice dentistry.
So why do two different designations exist?
The first dental school in the United States offered a DDS degree. Later, Harvard Dental School decided to award a DMD degree instead. Today, the choice of degree is really based on the tradition of the university.
Beyond the basics: advanced training and credentials
After a dentist has earned their DMD or DDS, they may go on to complete a specialty residency, focusing on a specific area of dentistry. Some of these specialties include:
- Orthodontics
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
- Periodontics
Dentists can also pursue advanced credentials, such as a Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD). This designation means they’ve completed additional training and are committed to ongoing learning in the field.
Fewer than 1 in 16 dentists ever achieve FAGD.
There’s also an even higher designation: Master of the Academy of General Dentistry (MAGD). Less than 2% of dentists earn this distinction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DMD a real Doctor?
Yes, a dentist with a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) is absolutely a real and fully qualified doctor. The DMD and DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) are the two degrees awarded to dentists upon graduation from dental school. Both degrees signify the same level of education and training, and dentists holding either degree are licensed to practice dentistry.
What is the highest degree for a dentist?
The highest degree for a dentist is typically a specialty certification obtained after completing a residency program following either a DMD or DDS degree. These specialty areas include orthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, and others. While some dentists may pursue a PhD for research or academic careers, the specialty certification is generally considered the pinnacle of clinical expertise.
Which is better, a DMD or DDS?
Neither a DMD nor a DDS is inherently “better” than the other. Both degrees represent the same level of dental education and competency. The degree awarded depends on the dental school’s preference. Some schools award a DMD, while others award a DDS, but the curriculum, training, and licensing requirements are identical. Ultimately, the quality of a dentist depends on their individual skills, experience, and commitment to patient care, not on which degree they hold.
To Conclude
Ultimately, both DMD and DDS degrees are equal qualifications for dentists. Whether a dentist has a DMD or DDS degree won’t affect their career or how they treat their patients.
If you’re considering dental school, don’t let the type of degree offered sway you. Instead, focus on finding a school with a strong program, experienced faculty, and opportunities to gain the skills you’ll need to provide excellent dental care.