DDS vs. DMD – What’s the Difference?

• DMD stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (or Dental Medicine).

• Both degrees are equal, the only difference is which school awarded it.

• All U.S. dentists must pass the same licensing exams regardless of degree.

Ever noticed the letters DDS or DMD after your dentist’s name and wondered what they mean?

• DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery.

You’re not alone.

Let’s break down what these degrees represent, and if one is better than the other.

What’s the Difference Between a DDS and a DMD?

Short answer: There’s no difference in training, skills, or qualifications between a DDS and a DMD.

Both degrees are awarded to dentists who graduate from accredited dental schools in the United States. DDS stands forDoctor of Dental Surgery, while DMD stands forDoctor of Medicine in Dentistry (or Dental Medicineboth are correct).

The curriculum, clinical training, and board exam requirements are exactly the same. Dentists in both programs study:

• anatomy

• physiology

• oral health

• patient care

• surgical techniques

They also complete hands-on clinical hours treating real patients under supervision.

So why the different titles?

It all depends on the university. Some dental schoolslike Harvard, prefer to use Latin names for their degrees (hence, DMD). Others stick with the original DDS, which dates back to the 1800s.

No matter which title your dentist holds, the education and standards behind it are identical.

Why Does Harvard Award a DMD Instead of a DDS?

Harvard was one of the first institutions in the United States to establish a dental school. When it came time to name the degree, Harvard followed its tradition of using Latin for all academic titles.

Instead of adopting the commonly used Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), they created Dentariae Medicinae Doctor (DMD)which translates to Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry.

This wasn’t about creating a new level of education or changing the scope of dental practice. It was simply a naming preference rooted in university tradition.

Since then, some other dental schools have also adopted the DMD title. Today, about one-third of U.S. dental schools grant a DMD, while the remaining two-thirds award a DDS.

Despite the different letters, both degrees represent the same level of education and clinical expertise.

Are DMD and DDS Dentists Equally Qualified?

Yes, 100%.

Whether your dentist holds a DMD or DDS, they’ve gone through the same rigorous education and training. The American Dental Association (ADA) officially recognizes both degrees as equivalent in every way.

No matter the title, every licensed dentist in the U.S. must:

• Graduate from an accredited dental school

• Pass the National Board Dental Examinations

• Meet state-specific licensing requirements

• Complete clinical training and patient care hours

There’s no extra training or “higher” degree involved, it’s simply a matter of which school awarded the diploma.

So when choosing a dentist, focus less on the letters after their name and more on their experience, approach to care, and how comfortable you feel in their chair.

What Do DMD and DDS Programs Teach?

The curriculum for DMD and DDS degrees is virtually identical, and equally comprehensive.

Both programs are designed to prepare dentists to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health issues with confidence and compassion.

Here’s what’s typically covered in both paths:

• Anatomy and physiology

• Oral pathology and disease prevention

• Clinical training in real-world settings

• Surgical techniques, including extractions and restorations

• Patient care and chairside skills

In addition to hands-on and academic training, both tracks emphasize:

• Ethical decision-making

• Effective communication with patients

• Practice management and professionalism

By the time a student earns either degree, they’re fully equipped to provide comprehensive dental care, whether they go into general practice or choose to specialize later on.

What’s the Highest Degree a Dentist Can Earn?

While DDS and DMD are the highest degrees required to practice dentistry, some dentists go on to pursue additional training, especially if they choose to specialize.

After dental school, a dentist may complete a residency program in areas like:

• Orthodontics

• Oral and maxillofacial surgery

• Endodontics

• Prosthodontics

• Pediatric Dentistry

• Periodontics

These specialties come with advanced certifications and, in some cases, master’s degrees in dental science or related fields.

Some dentists, particularly those in academic or research settings, may also earn a PhD: though it’s not required to treat patients or run a practice.

In short: DMD and DDS are more than enough to deliver expert care, but lifelong learners in the field often take it further.

FAQ

Medically reviewed by Dr. Joyce Kahng, DDS

Dr. Joyce Kahng is a cosmetic dentist, veneer expert, and the founder of Orange + Magnolia Dental Studio in Costa Mesa, CA. With 16+ years in practice and a following of 1.5M+ across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, she's known for making dentistry actually make sense. She's been featured in Forbes, Vogue, Allure, Glamour and GQ, and is the creator of the VeneerLIFT™.

Our editorial process · written by the editorial team, medically reviewed by a dentist, corrected in the open.