What is the Difference Between DMD and DDS?

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When dentists graduate from school they receive the title DMD, or DDS.  But what is the difference between DMD and DDS?  Many people have questions about this.  Some common questions I’ve heard are:

  • What is the difference between DMD and DDS?
  • What does DMD and DDS stand for?
  • Is DMD better than DDS?
  • Can a DMD do root canals?
  • Can a DDS do oral surgery?

What is the Difference Between DMD and DDS?

First, let’s start with the most common question.  I’ve been asked about the difference between DMD and DDS more times than I can remember. The  answer is quite simple.  

DMD and DDS refers to the dental degree that the doctor earns.  In the US, DMD and DDS are considered the same thing. Both degrees require the same amount of schooling and training.  In the end, some schools award the DMD degree and some award the DDS degree.

According to the American Dental Association, “The DDS and DMD are the same degrees. They are awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a General Dentist. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree. The education and degrees are, in substance, the same.”

DMD and DDS are the same thing. Different schools just call the degree by a different name.

What Does DMD and DDS Stand For?

The first school to award the DMD degree was Harvard University.  They did so because they only offer degrees in Latin.  After consulting a Latin scholar, they decided on Doctor Medicinae Dentariae, or Doctor of Dental Medicine.  

Other notable schools that offer the DMD degree are University of Florida, University of Connecticut, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Boston University, and Tufts University. 

DDS is the degree given by most schools.  It stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Both degrees require 3-4 years of undergraduate education, followed by 4 years of dental school to become a general dentist.  

DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery.

Is DMD Better than DDS?

Since the DMD and DDS degrees both require the same education and training, neither degree is better than the other.  They are essentially the same degree, just with different names.  

You can tell if your dentist is a DMD or DDS by looking at the letters at the end of his or her name.  This will be on a business card, website, or other official papers.  

There is no difference between DMD and DDS.  They are the same degree.

Can a DMD do Root Canals?

If you have a deep cavity, your tooth may require a root canal.  During a root canal the dentist will remove the infected pulp of the tooth, clean it, fill and seal the tooth.

Both DMD and DDS Dentists can do root canals.  All general dentists learn how to do root canals in dental school.  However, most general dentists prefer to refer their patients to an endodontist for root canals.  

An endodontist is a dentist that specializes in root canals. They go to school to receive their DMD or DDS degree, then spend another 2 years of schooling and training to become an endodontist.  

DMD and DDS Dentists can do root canals, but they will often refer to a specialist called an Endodontist.  

Can a DDS do Oral Surgery?

Oral surgery refers to procedures that involve cutting into gum tissue. This includes tooth extraction, placement of dental implants, biopsies, jaw realignment, and gum surgery.  

A DDS and DMD is trained in certain oral surgery procedures, such as tooth extraction.  General dentists may do simple extractions in their office, but more complicated cases will be referred to an oral surgeon.  

An oral and maxillofacial surgeon however, specializes in oral surgery.  After becoming a DMD or DDS they complete 4-6 years of additional schooling and training. Many oral surgeons complete a surgical residency as well as training in intravenous sedation and anesthesia.

A DMD and DDS can do certain oral surgery procedures.  Complicated or specialized treatment will be referred to an oral surgeon. 

Summary

DMD and DDS are the degrees awarded to dentists.  There is no difference between DMD and DDS. They require the same education and training.  While DMD and DDS dentists can do root canals and oral surgery, they will often refer to specialists for complicated cases.