Differences Between DDS & DMD

If you’ve ever visited a dentist, you’ve likely seen the degree displayed by the doctor. Dentists in the United States commonly hold either a DMD or a DDS degree. Some people are unsure of the difference between these degrees and may wonder which is superior. This article aims to clarify the distinctions between these degrees for both patients and those interested in pursuing a career in dentistry.

Both DDS and DMD are equivalent degrees with the same curriculum and syllabus. There is essentially no difference in the qualifications of doctors possessing a DDS or a DMD. The DDS degree was initially the only degree awarded to doctors who studied dentistry. Independent schools not affiliated with a university treated the course as a sort of apprenticeship. When Harvard University decided to establish its dental school, it wanted a degree in Latin, and after consultation with a Latin scholar, it created the DMD degree. DMD stands for Dentariae Medicanae Doctor, which is practically the same as the DDS degree awarded by other dental schools in the country.

The American Dental Association is aware of the confusion created by different names for the same degree but is unable to eliminate either degree. It even considered eliminating both and creating a new degree but decided against it due to students’ pride in the degrees they received from their respective colleges.

In places like New York, where DDS is more common, people often think of DDS as the only dental degree. Even those who have received a DMD write DDS after their name to convince people of their qualifications. Some patients prefer to be treated by a DDS because they believe these doctors specialize in the surgery aspect of dentistry, while others feel that DMD is better as it contains the letters “MD,” signifying Doctor of Medicine.

Key Takeaways

• DDS and DMD are equivalent degrees for dental doctors in the United States.
• Despite perceptions of differences between the two degrees, they are one and the same.
• The difference in nomenclature has more to do with the tradition of awarding degrees in Latin at Harvard University than any actual distinction in qualifications.