Decoding Dental Degrees: Unraveling the DDS and DMD Mystery

When you visit the dentist, you might have noticed those perplexing abbreviations, DDS and DMD, tagged on to their names. As a caring and well-informed dental practice in Decatur, GA, we believe in keeping our patients educated. So, let’s delve into the mystery and uncover the difference between these two designations.

DDS and DMD might seem like contrasting titles, but in reality, they are identical. The acronym DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery, while DMD stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. Despite the variation in nomenclature, both degrees encompass the same comprehensive training. It’s akin to two sides of the same coin, where some universities prefer DDS, and others choose to award DMD.

For instance, imagine Dr. John Smith, who holds a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Jane Doe, with a DDS earned from UCLA. Despite their different titles, both have undergone equivalent clinical training, making them equally competent dentists.

Occasionally, you might notice additional letters appended to some dentists’ names, such as FICOI or MAGD. These letters indicate specialized training received beyond dental school, signifying a dentist’s commitment to advancing their skills. If you’re curious about what these abbreviations signify, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist! They take pride in their hard-earned designations and will gladly explain how their extra expertise benefits your oral health.

Bonus Information: You might come across the term BDS after the names of overseas dentists. Dentists in regions like Europe or India who hold BDS degrees are fully qualified and trained in their respective countries. However, due to differing certification requirements, foreign dentists with BDS degrees must also attain DDS or DMD degrees to practice dentistry in the United States or Canada.