Dental Degrees: DMD vs DDS
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- DMD vs DDS: What's the Difference?
- Statistics and Additional Information
- Job Outlook for Dentists
Introduction
Ever wonder what the difference is between dentists with DMD and DDS? DMD vs DDS dentists are a commonly confusing title used to differentiate dentists and the schools they went to.
DMD vs DDS: What's the Difference?
The difference is nothing! The acronyms stand for:
DMD = Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry
DDS = Doctor of Dental Surgery
DMD and DDS degrees are acquired from accredited dental schools around the country. All dental schools in the United States have standards for graduation and certain admission criteria. Each accredited dental school chooses to offer either a DMD or DDS degree. Regardless of the title, both degrees have the same level of curriculum requirements.
Statistics and Additional Information
- Difference in Degrees: DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both degrees qualify the recipient to practice general dentistry, with no difference in curriculum or requirements.
- Commonality: DDS is the more commonly awarded degree in the U.S. About two-thirds of dental schools grant DDS degrees, with the remaining one-third bestowing DMD degrees.
- Admission Criteria: Admission to both DDS and DMD programs typically requires a bachelor's degree, a strong science foundation, and passing scores on the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
- Cost Implications: The cost of dental school varies, but the average tuition and fees are roughly $60,000 annually in the U.S.
Job Outlook for Dentists
The future for dentists looks promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentist employment is projected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030, outpacing the average for all professions. This uptick is attributed to the rising demand for dental care as it becomes more affordable for a larger segment of the population.
Dr. Thomas is a general dentist that loves sharing information about all aspects of dentistry, but is passionate about digital and implant dentistry. Dr. Thomas received his DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and continues to find helpful ways to inform and educate people about dental procedures and products.
Are you looking for a second opinion? Dr. Thomas is the CEO of Opinion Two Nonprofit Organization. Opinion Two is available online or on mobile app and it allows patients to receive dental second opinions with top US-licensed dentists. All proceeds are used to benefit future generations of dentists through scholarships and benefits to pre-dental programs.