Thinking about a career as a dentist? You might be curious about what “DMD” means and what it stands for.
DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. And while it sounds similar to DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), both degrees qualify you to practice as a general dentist.
This article clarifies what a DMD is, how it compares to a DDS, and what else you should consider when thinking about dental school.
What does DMD stand for?
DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. It’s the degree you need to practice dentistry.
You might also hear the term DDS, which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Both DMD and DDS degrees mean the same thing. They both require the same training and meet the same standards, according to the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
The DMD degree originated at Harvard Dental School.
DMD vs. DDS: What’s the difference?
Even though they’re referred to by different names, a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree are pretty much the same thing.
Core curriculum and accreditation
DMD and DDS programs have the same curriculum requirements, as set by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). You’ll need four years of undergraduate study, followed by four years of dental school, no matter which type of degree you pursue.
Because both programs are accredited by CODA, you can rest assured that graduates from either program are fully qualified to practice general dentistry.
Licensing and practice
With either a DMD or a DDS degree, you’ll be eligible to take the same national board exams.
You can practice general dentistry with either degree, or you can choose to pursue a specialty, like orthodontics or prosthodontics.
Career prospects
It makes no difference whether you have a DMD or a DDS degree when it comes to your earning potential or your chances of being accepted into a residency program.
Why two different degrees?
The first dental school, the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, offered a degree called Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). That’s why that’s the more common degree today.
However, when Harvard Dental School was founded, leaders there chose to use the Latin term “Medicinae” in the degree title. That’s how the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) came to be.
Despite the different names, there’s functionally no difference between a DDS and a DMD. Both degrees require the same training and licensing, and dentists with either degree can perform the same procedures.
Beyond DMD/DDS: Advanced training and specializations
After earning a DMD or DDS, many dentists pursue advanced training in a specialty area.
Dental specialties
Some common dental specialties include:
- Orthodontics (braces and other teeth-straightening treatments)
- Prosthodontics (dentures, bridges, and implants)
- Periodontics (gum disease)
- Endodontics (root canals)
- Pediatric dentistry (dental care for children)
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
These specialties typically require dentists to complete a postgraduate program lasting several years.
Fellowships and masterships
Dentists can also pursue fellowships and masterships through organizations like the Academy of General Dentistry.
The FAGD, or Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry, shows that a dentist has completed a great deal of advanced training. Only about 6% of dentists in Texas hold the FAGD fellowship.
The MAGD, or Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, is an even higher designation. Less than 2% of dentists have earned the MAGD.
Other advanced degrees
Dentists might also pursue master’s degrees, such as an MS (Master of Science), MSD (Master of Science in Dentistry), or MPH (Master of Public Health), or even a medical degree (MD) to further specialize or achieve advanced recognition in their field.
Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions
A lot of people have misconceptions about the differences between a DMD and DDS. Let’s clear up a few:
- Myth: A DDS is somehow a more prestigious degree than a DMD.
Fact: Dental school prestige depends on the school itself, not on whether it grants a DDS or a DMD. - Myth: A DDS program is more expensive than a DMD program (or vice versa).
Fact: Tuition costs depend on whether you attend a private or public school, and whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student. The degree type doesn’t matter. - Myth: Patients prefer one degree type over the other.
Fact: Patients care about the dentist’s skills and bedside manner, not what letters they have after their name. In fact, about 22% of adults in the US report that they avoid the dentist because of dental phobia, so bedside manner is important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DMD a real Doctor?
Absolutely! A dentist with a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) is definitely a real, qualified doctor. It’s simply one of the two degrees dentists can earn in the United States and many other countries. Both DMD and DDS degrees mean the dentist has graduated from an accredited dental school and has the skills to provide dental care.
What is the highest degree of dental Doctor?
The DMD and DDS are considered equivalent entry-level degrees for practicing dentistry. There aren’t higher degrees in the sense of one being “better” than the other. However, dentists can pursue postgraduate education in specialized areas like orthodontics, periodontics, or oral surgery, leading to certificates of specialization.
Which is better, a DMD or DDS?
Neither a DMD nor a DDS is inherently “better.” The degree awarded depends on the dental school’s preference. Both degrees require the same rigorous education and training, covering the same core curriculum. The quality of care you receive depends on the individual dentist’s skills, experience, and commitment to patient care, not the letters after their name.
Closing Thoughts
So, what does DMD stand for? Doctor of Dental Medicine. And is it different from a DDS, or Doctor of Dental Surgery? Not really. Both degrees mean the dentist has met the requirements to practice general dentistry.
When you’re looking for a dentist, focus on the quality and reputation of the dental school they attended rather than whether they have a DMD or DDS. Understanding that both degrees are equivalent can help you feel more confident when choosing a qualified dental professional to care for your oral health.