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Ignore your teeth and they’ll go away! Dentistry is a noble profession, and—like other jobs in healthcare—promises That said, the path towards becoming a dentist can be a long one, and you’ll have options along the way. First, you’ll notice two different degree options: DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) vs. DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). In this article, we’ll explore the differences between a DMD vs. DDS degree, and whether and how it makes any difference in your pursuit of a career as a dentist.

DMD vs. DDS: What’s in a Name?

First, know that one of the two degrees (DMD or DDS) is required in order to become a dentist. That is, if a career as a dentist is your goal, you’ll need to earn one of these sets of initials after your name. Each dental school offers either a DMD or a DDS program, and if you are casting a wide net you might end up applying to both kinds of programs. Fortunately, the differences between a DMD and a DDS are entirely superficial (related to semantics and history), and both degree programs lead to the same result: a career as a dentist.

While . This program still exists today, but as the , which is considered the birthplace of the DDS, or Doctor of Dental Surgery, degree. Fun fact: in honor of its history, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry houses the , which has been designated by Congress as the official museum of the dental profession in the United States.

DMD vs DDS – What is the Difference? (Continued)

Nearly 20 years after the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery was established, the was created. Then, in 1867, the first university-affiliated dental institution, the Harvard Dental School (later renamed the ), was founded. Harvard grants all degrees in Latin, and so needed a Latin name for their dental degree. They arrived at Doctoris Medicinae Dentarie, or DMD, by modifying the Latin name of their medical degree, Medicinae Doctoris, or MD. The English translation of the Latin is “Doctor of Dental Medicine.”

All subsequent dental schools have followed either the Baltimore College of Dentistry or the Harvard Dental School nomenclature by issuing either a DDS or DMD.

“Wait,” you must be thinking, “that’s it?! That’s the only difference?!” The answer is: yep. The only difference between a DMD and DDS is the name. In fact:

DMD and DDS programs require the same prerequisites. Candidates first complete a bachelor’s degree—typically in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Moreover, most applicants are required to take the before applying to dental programs. Finally, most applications are submitted to the

The type of degree (DMD vs. DDS) does not reflect differences in admissions or tuition rates. Instead, admission and tuition rates vary by school. In general, acceptance rates are highly competitive. High undergraduate GPAs and strong letters of recommendation are important. As with other undergraduate and graduate programs, public universities typically offer lower tuition than private universities. For instance, the four-year cost of attendance for the ranges from about $422,894 (in-state) to $497,152 (out-of-state), whereas the four-year cost of attendance at the is $557,614.

DMD vs DDS – What is the Difference? (Continued)

DMD and DDS degree programs follow the same accreditation. Both types of programs are accredited by the ).

DMD and DDS programs offer the same educational and clinical foundation. During the first two years, students take courses in anatomy, pharmacology, oral pathology, and other foundational subjects. During the second two years, they complete clinical rotations in dental offices, clinics, and hospitals.

Both DMD and DDS degree programs take approximately 4 years to complete. Likewise, both types of programs will set you up for a residency program should you wish to pursue a specialty in, for instance, dental anesthesiology or pediatric dentistry.

Neither a DMD nor a DDS degree is considered more prestigious than the other. Similarly, there is no difference in salary potential, with the in May of 2023.

Regardless of whether a student graduates with a DMD or a DDS, they’ll need to pass the written as well as the state or regional clinical examination. After that, all general dentists do the same types of work diagnosing and treating patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.

Indeed, whether a dental school offers a DMD or a DDS degree can seem (and honestly is) pretty random. The best dental schools in the United States are fairly evenly split on the matter. In addition to Harvard, , , and others offer DMD degree programs, whereas , , and others follow the OG Baltimore College of Dentistry in offering DDS degree programs.

DMD vs. DDS: Paths to Dentistry

Hence, if you are wondering whether to prioritize DMD or DDS programs, don’t. This distinction should not play any role in your decisions regarding which dental schools to apply to or attend. While this doesn’t mean all dental schools and programs are the same, it does mean you can ignore the DMD vs. DDS component (unless, of course, you really love Latin!). Instead, focus on factors like cost, location, reputation, research opportunities, etc. Select the right program for you, regardless of the initials you’ll earn.

However, just because there is no meaningful difference between a DMD and a DDS, it does not mean there is only one path toward becoming a dentist.

For instance, if you know in high school that dentistry is for you, you might consider a combined dental program offering a streamlined bachelor’s/DMD or DDS degree. Combined dental programs allow students to gain concurrent acceptance into an undergraduate institution and an affiliated dental school. Students in combined programs typically complete both degrees in 6-7 years (rather than 8), and are able to bypass certain dental school admission requirements. As with the best dental programs, the best BS/Dental Medicine programs are fairly evenly split in terms of whether they offer a DMD or DDS.

DMD vs DDS – What is the Difference? (Continued)

What about after you complete your DMD or DDS? General dentists, regardless of the letters after their name, do not need additional training after dental school. After dental school, a dentist can:

• Remove decay from teeth and fill cavities
• Repair or remove damaged teeth
• Place sealants or whitening agents on teeth
• Administer anesthetics to keep patients from feeling pain during procedures
• Prescribe antibiotics or other medications
• Examine x-rays of teeth, gums, the jaw, and nearby areas in order to diagnose problems
• Make models and measurements for dental appliances, such as dentures
• Teach patients about diets, flossing, use of fluoride, and other aspects of dental care

If one wants to specialize in a specific area of dentistry, they will likely need to pursue further education, training, and licensure after dental school. Specialties include:

• Dental Anesthesiology
• Dental Public Health
• Endodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oral Medicine
• Orofacial pain
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics

Likewise, dentists interested in teaching or research will often pursue a postdoctoral program in general dentistry.

DMD vs DDS – What is the Difference? (Continued)

In addition to the DMD or DDS, dentists who pursue specialty training will often acquire additional degrees (leading to yet more letters after their name!), including:

• MS: Master of Science
• MSD: Master of Science in Dentistry
• MPH: Master of Public Health (sometimes offered by dental schools as a dual degree option, as well as by some dental residency programs)
• MD: Doctor of Medicine (often pursued by oral surgeons, who complete a 6-year residency which includes the last two years of medical school)

Other Careers in Dentistry

If you are interested in dentistry but want low student debt and the chance to earn a degree quickly, you might consider becoming a dental hygienist. According to the , the median dental hygienist salary was $81,400 in May 2022.

As with dental medicine program, dental hygienist programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). There are , but most dental hygienists earn an associate degree from a community college, vocational school, or technical school.

Often, dental hygienists spend far more time with patients than dentists and take an active role in prevention and treatment plans. So if patient care is important to you, dental hygiene may be a fitting career path!

Specific duties can vary from office to office, but typical tasks include:

• Using dental instruments to perform cleanings
• Removing plaque, tartar, and stains from teeth
• Cleaning and organizing dental instruments
• Checking for signs of gum disease or oral cancer
• Advising patients on dental hygiene
• Administering preventative treatments, including fluoride treatments
• Assisting dentists as needed, especially during more complicated procedures

DMD vs DDS – What is the Difference? (Continued)

Dental offices also employ and . The responsibilities of dental assistants overlap somewhat with those of dental hygienists, but the annual median pay is lower ($46,540) and in some states, there are no formal educational requirements for dental assistants. Dental laboratory technicians make comparable salaries (the 2023 annual median pay is $44,640) and usually receive on-the-job training rather than pursuing formal educational requirements. Dental laboratory technicians are tasked with making or repairing dentures or other dental prosthetics (crowns and bridges, implants, etc.). Like dental hygienists and dental assistants, they tend to work closely with dentists. However, they tend to have more limited contact with patients.

In conclusion, there are many factors to consider when pursuing a career in dentistry, but one thing you do not have to worry about is the difference between a DDS and a DMD. The degree programs are functionally the same, and whether you end up in a DDS or a DMD program will have no effect on your education or future aspirations. Other factors are worth considering, however, including the cost and reputation of dental programs, whether you are interested in pursuing a specialty, and if there might be an alternative career in the dental field (such as dental hygiene) that is right for you.

Additional Blogs

• 15 Best Dental Schools in the United States
• How to Become a Dental Hygienist