What is the difference between dms and dds

Joking aside, the difference dates back to where universities established different dental programs with separate names. Since the ADA establishes specific educational protocols and licensing requirements for all dental schools in the United States, the education received at DMD and DDS programs are essentially identical from school to school.

After graduation, all DMD and DDS students must pass the same National Dental Board exams and certifications and State exams to become licensed before they are able to practice independently.

Most dentists do not set out to become either a DDS or a DMD, but rather choose their degree based on the dental school they hope to attend. As with other university students, prospective dental students may locate their program based on geographical area, reputation of the University, the interview process, and how well their test scores are. Dental programs are extremely competitive, with only the top performing students being accepted into the programs, whether they be DDS or DMD.

However, dentists are free to select with which professional organizations they study through, making it easier to learn unique approaches and care methods from leaders in the industry. Even though the titles are different both types of dentists are fully qualified to give you and your family dental care. What is a DMD? The main difference between the two titles is the name.

The difference between a DDS and DMD dentist is the title their school chose for the degree program—not the coursework itself.

The two types of doctors have to follow the same rigorous schooling in order to get their degrees. In order to get a degree in dentistry, DDS or DMD degree, a student has to undergo four years of undergraduate studies followed by four more years at an accredited dental school. Note: in some cases, only three years of undergraduate studies are needed if a student is in an accelerated program. Whether someone becomes a DDS dentist or a DMD dentist is entirely up to what title their dental school traditionally puts on degrees.

After receiving one of the aforementioned dental degrees, aspiring dentists must then pass a national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. DDS is the more common degree title. DDS was the standard title for doctors of dentistry first and the additional title is because of Harvard University.

When Harvard added a dental school in , it had a tradition of putting its degree titles in Latin. Either way you can trust that your dental care provider has the training and education to take care of you and your family. Performing oral surgery on the teeth, bone and soft tissues of the oral cavity. These degrees account for standard dental practice.

Just like in the health care industry the amount of additional schooling that a dentist needs to be certified in a specialty depends largely on the specialty that they choose. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ProspectiveDoctor. Your email address will not be published. Related Articles. Why Medicine Needs Diversity. Classes or Extracurriculars — Which is More Important?

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