DDS vs. DMD: What's the Difference for Future Dentists?
You look up two dentists in your town. One has "DDS" after their name. The other has "DMD." Does one have more training? Did they go to different kinds of schools? Many pre-dental students ask the same thing when they start comparing programs.
The short answer is that the two degrees are equivalent. In this guide to DDS vs DMD, you will learn what each letter stands for, why dental schools use two different names, and how the degree fits into the path to becoming a dentist. You will also learn which factors deserve more of your attention when you build your list of dental schools.
DDS vs DMD: what each degree means
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both are the degree a student earns after completing dental school.
The American Dental Association explains the difference clearly on its MouthHealthy site: "They both mean the same thing—your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school." The ADA adds that dentists with either degree have the same education. Universities decide which name to award, and both degrees follow the same curriculum requirements.
Why two names exist
The difference comes down to each university's choice. Schools pick the title that fits their own history and traditions, and the ADA leaves that decision to them. You will find respected programs on both sides. Either way, the training covers the same core sciences and clinical skills.
Do patients or employers treat them differently?
No. Licensing boards, employers, and residency programs treat both degrees the same way. What matters is that the school is accredited and that the graduate passes the required licensing exams. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that dentists must be licensed in the state where they work, and that licensing usually requires graduating from an accredited program and passing written and clinical exams.
Canadian students will see both titles too. Our guide to dental schools in Canada lists the 10 accredited schools, some of which award a DDS and some a DMD.
How the degree fits into your path to dentistry
Whether you earn a DDS or a DMD, the steps to get there look the same:
- Complete prerequisite courses, usually during a bachelor's degree.
- Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
- Apply through ADEA AADSAS or a school's own system.
- Complete about four years of dental school.
- Pass licensing exams and meet your state's requirements.
Some dentists continue training after dental school to become specialists. Our guide to dental specialties explains options such as orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. To see how these steps line up year by year, read our pre-dental timeline.
What matters more than DDS or DMD when choosing a school
Since the degree name does not change your training, look at other factors as you compare schools:
- Location and residency rules: Some public schools give preference to in-state applicants.
- Cost: Tuition and living expenses vary widely between schools.
- Clinical training: Ask how early students start working with patients and how clinics are supervised.
- Community outreach: Many schools run rotations in community clinics or rural areas.
- Culture and support: Talk with current students about workload, mentoring, and wellbeing.
When you visit schools or attend interviews, prepare a few questions of your own. Ask how students are matched with clinical patients, how faculty give feedback, and what support exists for students who struggle in a course. The answers often tell you more about a program than any brochure.
Experience can also help you know what you want in a program. Time in dental settings shows you how dental teams work and which kinds of care interest you most. A dental service learning trip is one way to gain that perspective. On Smiles Movement trips, students shadow local dental professionals at mobile clinics and help with oral health education for children in partner communities.
Find out what kind of dentist you want to be
Your future degree might say DDS or DMD. Your experiences before dental school help shape what kind of dentist you become. If you want to learn alongside dental professionals and partner communities, Smiles Movement can help. Fill out the form or download our brochure to get more information about upcoming programs and trip dates.
Frequently asked questions about DDS vs DMD
Is a DMD better than a DDS?
No. The ADA states that both degrees mean the dentist graduated from an accredited dental school and that both follow the same curriculum requirements.
Can a dentist with a DDS become a specialist?
Yes. Dentists with either degree can apply to accredited residency programs in specialties such as orthodontics, endodontics, or pediatric dentistry.
Should I choose a dental school based on the degree it awards?
No. Focus on accreditation, cost, location, clinical training, and fit. The degree name does not change your education or your career options.