The letters DMD and DDS are the two designations dentists use in the United States, and their existence often causes public confusion. Many people assume the difference means one degree is superior or denotes separate areas of practice. This article explains the origins of the two designations and confirms their professional equivalence in all aspects of dentistry.
Defining the Dental Degrees
DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine, and DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Both are doctoral-level degrees awarded by accredited dental schools, representing the same professional qualification. These two titles are the only doctoral degrees that qualify an individual to practice as a dentist in the United States. While the names suggest different focuses, the legal and functional distinction between them is non-existent.
Understanding the Equivalence
The degrees are functionally and legally identical in the United States, meaning a dentist with a DMD is equally qualified to practice as one with a DDS. Both degrees require the completion of the same rigorous, standardized educational and clinical training curriculum. The difference is purely a matter of nomenclature chosen by the granting university, not a reflection of different training or skills. State licensing boards and the American Dental Association (ADA) officially recognize both titles as equivalent qualifications for practicing dentistry.
The title “Doctor of Dental Surgery” might suggest a surgical specialization, but both degrees grant the same scope of general practice, including surgery, restorative work, and preventative care. Therefore, a patient should consider a dentist’s experience, specialization, and personal compatibility, rather than the specific letters after their name. The degree title does not indicate a difference in the quality of care or the types of services offered.
Why Two Different Designations Exist
The dual nomenclature is rooted in a historical development that began with the establishment of the first formal dental school. The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree was the first to be awarded in 1840 by the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. This title became the standard degree for dentists for the next two decades.
The change occurred in 1867 when Harvard University established its dental school. Harvard traditionally granted all degrees in Latin, and the Latin translation for “Doctor of Dental Surgery” was deemed cumbersome. To maintain the Latin tradition and signal a broader connection to medical science, the school adopted Doctoris Medicinae Dentariae, which translates to Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Since then, dental schools have been free to choose either the historical DDS title or the Latin-based DMD title.
Educational Requirements and Accreditation
Education for both the DMD and DDS degrees is highly standardized across all accredited institutions. Prospective dentists must complete four years of professional dental school training following at least two years of undergraduate study, though most applicants hold a bachelor’s degree. The curriculum for both degrees involves extensive classroom instruction in biomedical sciences (such as anatomy, biochemistry, and pharmacology), typically during the first two years.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the specialized accrediting agency responsible for ensuring quality and uniformity in dental education programs in the United States. CODA sets the national standards that all dental schools must follow, regardless of the degree they award. This ensures that graduates from both DDS and DMD programs possess the same knowledge and clinical skills upon graduation.
After earning their doctoral degree, all graduates must pass the same national written examination, the National Board Dental Examination. They must also pass a regional clinical board examination to obtain a license to practice.
Specialization and Scope of Practice
The path to advanced training and specialization is identical for both DMD and DDS graduates. A general dentist with either degree is qualified to perform a wide range of procedures, including cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. For a dentist to become a recognized specialist, they must pursue a post-graduate residency program accredited by CODA.
Currently, the ADA recognizes 12 dental specialties, such as orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. These residency programs typically last two to six years and require an additional certificate or master’s degree. Whether the initial degree was a DDS or a DMD has no bearing on a dentist’s ability to be accepted into or complete an advanced specialty program. This professional parity confirms that the degree title is merely an administrative distinction.