DDS or DMD: There’s really no difference

Have you ever wondered why some dentists are listed with a “DDS” and others with a “DMD”? They both mean the same thing — your dentist has graduated from an accredited dental school.

Most dentists have a “DDS,” which stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. The “DMD” degree stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Dentists with either a DDS or a DMD have the same education. Each university may decide what degree they will award but both degrees have the same curriculum requirements as established by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Were you aware that the level of education and clinical training required to earn a DDS or DMD is comparable with those of medical schools?

Typically, it requires three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school to graduate and become a general dentist.

After completing dental school, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam before they may practice.

To maintain a license in New Mexico, a dentist must meet continuing education requirements throughout their careers to stay up to date on new scientific and clinical advances.

This includes regular demonstration of emergency skills and special subjects related to the prescription of pain medicines.

To become a dental specialist, like an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon requires additional graduate training of anywhere from two to five years.