What's in a Name?
What's the difference between a DMD and a DDS? DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine, whereas DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Both programs are designed to prepare general dentists for licensure and according to the American Dental Association, they're the same. However, the ADA recognizes the confusion some patients may have over the difference between the two degrees, and there has been great debate over whether dental schools should adhere to one name.
The basis of the DMD versus DDS debate actually has its roots in ancient medicine. The practice of medicine was once divided into two groups: those who treated injuries using surgery and those who healed diseases using medicine. Dentists often fell into the first group. The first American dental schools were independent of universities and functioned more like trade schools, awarding their graduates with a DDS degree to perform clinical procedures. Dentistry has come a long way since then. Today's dentists are respected members of the medical community, capable of diagnosing and treating diseases, performing surgical procedures and educating the public about dental health.
In 1867, Harvard University, whose degrees are granted in Latin, took issue with the phrase "Doctor of Dental Surgery." Feeling the Latin translation, Chirurgae Dentium Doctoris (CDD), wasn't appropriate, Harvard leaders decided to name their dental degree program DMD, or Dentariae Medicinae Doctor. Over the past century, several universities have switched the name of their dental program to Doctor of Dental Medicine because it better reflects dentistry as a whole. Regardless, dentists who receive a DMD degree virtually receive the same education as those who earn a DDS degree, and one type of degree is not better that the other.
The Final Verdict
Are you interested in becoming a dentist? Now is a great time to pursue a career in dentistry. Dentistry is a highly respected and rewarding field, with dentists falling in the top 8 percent of U.S. earners. Today's dentists are scientists, doctors, educators and artists, and many serve as leaders in their communities. With more dentists entering retirement age and a lack of dental care in rural areas, the need for dentists is stronger than ever.
As for consumers, whether you choose a DMD or DDS, your dentist is an important part of your professional health care team. Scheduling regular dental visits not only helps prevent dental diseases, but can be beneficial to your overall health.