So, you want to be a dentist? You’ve probably heard about the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, or DDS. It’s the professional doctorate you’ll need to practice dentistry in many places around the world.
But here’s where it gets confusing: you’ve also heard of the Doctor of Dental Medicine, or DMD. Are they the same? Is one better than the other? What is a DDS in dentistry, anyway?
This article will clear up all the confusion, explaining exactly what a DDS is, the education you’ll need to get one, and what career options it opens up for you.
What is a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)?
You’ve probably noticed that some dentists are called “Dr.” followed by “DDS,” while others are called “Dr.” followed by “DMD.” What’s the difference between these two degrees?
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. It’s one of two degrees that qualifies someone to practice as a general dentist.
The other is DMD, which stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine or Doctor of Medical Dentistry.
Historically, some universities awarded DDS degrees, while others awarded DMD degrees, based on the naming conventions of the university itself, not the dental program.
In practice, a DDS and a DMD are equivalent degrees. They both provide the same education, training, and accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Graduates of both programs are equally prepared to sit for and pass the National Dental Board exams, and licensing boards accept both degrees as equivalent.
Education and training for a DDS degree
Becoming a dentist requires years of intense study, both before and during dental school.
Pre-dental requirements
Most dental schools require you to have a bachelor’s degree before you apply. It’s also essential to have excellent grades in science courses like biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.
The four-year DDS program
A typical DDS program lasts four years. You’ll study foundational sciences like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and pathology. You’ll also get plenty of hands-on clinical training in all kinds of dental procedures.
To ensure quality in dental education, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) sets standards for dental schools.
Curriculum overview
During your DDS program, you’ll learn about:
- Oral diagnosis and treatment planning
- Restorative dentistry (fillings, crowns)
- Periodontics (gum disease treatment)
- Endodontics (root canal therapy)
- Oral surgery (extractions)
- Prosthodontics (dentures, bridges)
- Pediatric dentistry
- Orthodontics
Career Paths and Specializations After a DDS
Earning a DDS opens doors to a wide range of career paths within dentistry. Here are a few of the most common.
General Dentistry
A large percentage of DDS graduates choose to practice as general dentists. These practitioners are your go-to oral healthcare providers, handling everything from routine checkups to fillings and crowns. They diagnose and treat oral conditions, provide preventative care like cleanings and fluoride treatments, create treatment plans tailored to individual needs, and educate patients about proper oral hygiene practices.
Dental Specializations
For those seeking a more focused area of practice, dental specializations offer the opportunity to delve deeper into a specific field. These specializations require additional education and training beyond the DDS degree. Some of the most common include:
- Endodontics (root canals)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (surgical procedures of the mouth, jaws, and face)
- Periodontics (treatment of gum disease and supporting structures of the teeth)
- Orthodontics (braces and other teeth-straightening treatments)
- Prosthodontics (dentures, bridges, and other tooth replacements)
- Pediatric Dentistry (dental care for children)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology (diagnosis and study of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions)
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (use of imaging techniques to diagnose diseases of the oral and maxillofacial regions)
- Dental Public Health (community dental health)
Further Education and Certifications
The learning doesn’t have to stop after earning a DDS! Some dentists choose to pursue additional degrees, such as a Master of Science (MS), Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD), Master of Public Health (MPH), or even a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, particularly in the case of oral surgeons. General dentists can also pursue fellowships and advanced certifications like Fellowship (FAGD) or Mastership (MAGD) in the Academy of General Dentistry. Achieving FAGD status is a significant accomplishment, with only about 6% of general dentists in the United States holding this designation. The MAGD designation is even more exclusive, with less than 2% of dentists in the United States achieving this level of recognition.
What skills and qualities do dentists need?
Dentistry isn’t just about teeth; it’s about people. So, dentists need to be excellent communicators. They have to explain complex procedures clearly and listen carefully to patient concerns. A friendly and reassuring manner is crucial for building trust.
Dentists must have a keen eye for detail. They work in a small space, and precision is vital. They also need to be critical thinkers who can analyze problems and develop effective treatment plans.
Compassion and empathy are also key. Many patients are anxious about dental work, so dentists must be understanding and supportive. Finally, dentists need excellent hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills to perform intricate procedures and handle unexpected challenges.
Job outlook and salary
Dentistry is a growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of dentist jobs will increase by 5% between 2023 and 2033, which is about average.
The average salary for dentists in the U.S. is about $230,923 per year. Of course, your salary will vary depending on where you live, the kind of dentistry you practice, and how much experience you have.
Summary
A DDS, or Doctor of Dental Surgery, gives you a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in dentistry. If you’re considering dental school, make sure the programs you’re looking at are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), whether they award a DDS or a DMD.
To excel in this field, you’ll need to develop the skills and qualities of a good dentist. Talking with current dental students and practicing dentists is a great way to learn more about what it takes to build a strong application and succeed in the world of dentistry.