There’s not much of a difference between DDS and DMD degrees. One is actually not more superior to the other. So, there is nothing to worry about. However, there are distinguishing factors that makes one preferred to the other. Be that as it may, we will leave that conclusion to you. But, we have carefully outlined everything you need to know about a DDS vs DMD to aid that conclusion. Here are our main items to discuss.
What Is A DDS?
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. It is the terminal degree in the study of dentistry. Actually, every dentist in the US needs to complete this level of study to be licensed to practice. A typical DDS degree gives a comprehensive knowledge in every area of dentistry. It also include learning about oral and facial structures. After this degree, you can choose to go for a residency that lasts for about 1 to 3 years to be able to work with medical doctors and perform major dental surgeries.
What Does DMD Mean?
DMD is the short form for Doctor of Dental Medicine.
Before you can get this degree, the student must have completed his 3 or 4 years of undergraduate studies, and a 4-year dental school to graduate with a DMD.
Also, the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree program is designed to prepare students to practice dentistry with adequate knowledge and skills which the field requires.
In addition, the students get to learn biological sciences, strong clinical skills, and the role of the dentist as a health professional and leader.
DMD vs DDS: What Are The Similarities?
Nowadays, dentist students either graduate with a DMD or a DDS attached to their names. While the titles may sound different, the American Dental Association (ADA) explains that they refer to the same degree. Some universities award dental graduates with a DDS, while others award a DMD. Both degrees have the same curriculum requirements. Basically, both degrees are the same in coursework and knowledge acquired.
DMD vs DDS: What are the Differences?
Basically, there’s not much difference between a dmd and a dds. Here is what you should know. The main difference between them is the name. Otherwise, DDS and DMD functionally mean the same thing. Actually, the difference between a DDS and DMD dentist is the title their school chose for the degree program. The course work is exactly the same. Their training as well is the same. Both are equally qualified for the same job and both can take great care of your mouth. So, if they both mean the same thing, why are there two names for the same degree? The reason is documented by the Oregon Health and Science University (OSHU). In 1893, the Baltimore College of Medicine started granted the first Doctors of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees. A short time later, Harvard University started its own dental school. Harvard then decided to rename the degree a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). This disagreement in naming is why there are two names for the same degree. Since Harvard’s first use in 1867, many institutions have adopted the DMD degree as well. Currently, OSHU reports that more than one-third of American dental schools issue DMD degrees.
What Are The Salaries of a DDS/DMD Holders?
It is important we note that most dentists who have either a DDS or DMD degree are general dentists. Also, they are self-employed. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 19% job growth for dentists in general practice for the 2018-2026 period. This job growth will be enhanced by the demand for increasingly complex dental services to an aging population. The BLS reported 2019 median annual wages of $155,600 for general dentists. Payscale says that the average salary for a DDS holder is $142,000 annually.
How to get a Dental Degree?
Badging a DDS vs DMD typically requires the same thing. To get this dental degree, you need the following;
How Much Does it Cost to Get a DDS vs DMD?
Generally speaking, the cost of getting the DDS vs DMD is high. According to Iowa University, the school estimates a $98,324 for international students. Iowa residents and nonresidents pay an estimate of $78,996 and $103,216 respectively. This annual fee decreases each year, dropping to $5,200 in the second year. The third-year pays $3,900 while the fourth year pays $1,325. So, over four years, a dental student can expect to pay from $151,508 (in-state, public school) to $268,348 (private school) and above. However, there actually offer scholarships and loans for students.
What are DDS and a DMD holders trained to do?
Doctors of Dental Surgery and Doctors of Dental Medicine are trained in many procedures. They perform different functions in the dental world. They include the following dental procedures: The DDS and DMD only make you a general dentist. To specialize, you need extra training. Some of the dental specialist courses that require post-graduate training includes an orthodontist, periodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
What Are The Admission Requirements For DMD Programs?
Having established also that the curriculum is the same, we are taking a cue from the University of British Columbia, here is the admission requirement. Although many schools have different requirements, this is the generally acceoted one frm ADA. Typically, international students and students whose native language is not English who wish to enroll in a US-based DMD program often need to complete specific examinations to showcase their English language proficiency. These include the following tests:
Supporting Documents For DMD Programs
Intending students are to submit the following supporting documents with their application forms: It is however necessary to know that these documents are specific to the stated school. Although most of them nya be general to many schools, there may be other requirements for you. So, contact your intended school for their specific need.
Education After a DDS or DMD
Although most dentists are general dentists like we have already established. However, some choose to specialize in many areas of dentistry after earning a DDS or DMD degree. It can require as much as six years of additional education to become a specialist. The ADA explains that there are nine dental specialties: These are medical professionals, so their qualifications, whether a DDS or a DMD is not necessary. What they do is to keep your teeth and gums healthy, so be sure to visit your dentist regularly. Twice a year is a good place to start, though your dentist may recommend a different frequency.
Which Schools Offer the best Dentistry Programs in the World?
According to QS World ranking, these schools made it to the top 10 best dental schools in the world. If you really wish to attend one, then these schools should be considered above many others. They include but not limted to these; DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. The answer is actually very simple: there is no difference! They are exactly the same degree. Whether a dentist holds a DMD or a DDS degree, they have received the same training. The curriculum for learning is exactly the same. They both mean the same thing. Also, it shows that the dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education Generally, dentists have studied dentistry along with practical training, so they can perform some minor oral surgery. However, their work typically involves dental care such as oral exams, professional teeth cleanings, fillings, crowns, sealants, root canals, and overall gum care Anyone can enroll for a DMD vs DDS. But, typically you must have completed your undergraduate degree in dentistry to able to enroll and study. A DDS or DMD degree is gotten after attending a dental school. It takes about 4 years to complete. This is because DMD and DDS programs are postgraduate studies which you get after attending a dental school.
Conclusion
So many people wish to attend a dental school but do not understand the type of degree that is better than the other. Well, this post has simplified the requirements for both the DMD and DDS. So, between the DDS vs DMD which do you prefer? Go ahead and get your degree early on. Best of luck!
