Differences in DMD & DDS

Professionals who are trained in dental health can be doctors of dental medicine (DMD) or doctors of dental surgery (DDS). Both designations qualify the individual to sit for state board licensing exams and perform procedures under the same scope of practice. In addition, the DMD and DDS curricula are equivalent to each other based on standards set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Origin of the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

• The field of dental health originated in the 1800s. At that time there were two main areas of training. The first focused the use of instruments to perform dental surgery and the second focused on the use of pharmacology in the treatment of dental problems. The doctor of dental surgery (DDS) was the original designation given to dentists for the purpose of distinguishing the dentists who performed dental surgery. The DDS originally was linked to trade school training and was not associated with an academic degree.

Origin of the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

• In the late 1800s, Harvard University developed a school for dental health that resulted in the doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree. Soon afterward, other universities began offering DMD programs. The curriculum and training for the DMD programs provided the same education and training offered in DDS programs. The reason the acronym for doctor of dental medicine is DMD and not DDM is that DMD stands for the Latin designation, "Dentariae Medicinae Doctor."

Bottom Line

• The university at which a dentist trains will determine whether a DMD or DDS degree is obtained. According to the American Dental Association, the coursework for both programs is equivalent and qualifies a graduate to take state licensing exams. Coursework for dental professionals includes anatomy, pharmacology, oncology, radiology, pediatrics, training in operative procedures, endodontics (tooth roots and soft tissue), prosthodontics (jaw and tooth replacement) and emergency dentistry.

Specialty Training

• The DMD and DDS both are eligible for further training for a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery. These surgeons complete an internship program after dental school for further education in internal medicine, anesthesia and general surgery. The internship is followed by a three-year residency, which includes intensive care training and rotations in neurosurgery and otolaryngology. Dentists who complete this training are eligible for physician licensure.

  The DMD and DDS can also specialize in orthodontics, which is the application of dental appliances to straighten the teeth. Dentists who are interested in this specialty obtain further on-the-job training and must pass a licensing exam.