A dentist holds either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree, both of which are doctoral-level qualifications requiring four years of postgraduate study after a bachelor's degree. These degrees are equivalent in content and professional standing, with the difference in naming stemming from institutional tradition rather than curriculum variation.
Dental programs in the United States are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which sets standards for faculty, facilities, and clinical hours. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with specific science coursework-typically biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics-with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and competitive scores on the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The average accepted applicant has a DAT score above 20 in each section and a cumulative GPA above 3.5.
During dental school, students complete 2,600 hours of clinical training across disciplines such as restorative dentistry, periodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery. Students treat patients under supervision in university clinics, gaining hands-on experience with procedures like fillings, root canals, and extractions. After graduation, dentists must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part I and II, along with state-specific licensing exams, to practice legally.
While DDS and DMD are functionally identical, institutions choose one based on historical precedent. For example, Harvard University awards the DMD, while the University of Michigan grants the DDS. Both degrees meet the same accreditation standards and qualify graduates for licensure. The American Dental Association (ADA) confirms that "the DMD and DDS are equivalent degrees" and that neither confers greater clinical authority.
| Degree Type | Common Granting Institutions | Curriculum Equivalent? |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | University of Pennsylvania, University of California San Francisco | Yes |
| Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) | Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University | Yes |
Some international dental schools offer degrees such as the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), which is not equivalent to U.S. DDS/DMD degrees. Foreign-trained dentists must complete additional training through CODA-accredited programs or pass the Educational Commission for Foreign Dental Graduates (ECFDG) exam to practice in the U.S.
After earning a DDS or DMD, dentists may pursue specialty training in areas like orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, or pediatric dentistry. These programs last 2-6 years and require completion of a residency program accredited by CODA. For example, a dentist specializing in orthodontics must complete a 24-month residency focused on tooth alignment and jaw development.
Specialty certification involves passing written and practical exams administered by the American Board of Orthodontics or similar boards. Only 15% of U.S. dentists pursue board certification, according to the ADA. The process ensures consistency in treatment standards and enhances patient trust in specialized care.
Many assume that a dentist's degree is a "master's" level qualification due to the term "doctor." However, the DDS and DMD are terminal degrees in dentistry, comparable to MDs in medicine. They are not advanced degrees beyond a doctorate, nor are they equivalent to PhDs in research fields.
Another misconception is that dental school is shorter than medical school. While both are four years long, dental school includes more clinical hours-averaging 2,600 compared to 1,800 in most medical residencies. This reflects the hands-on nature of dental practice, where precision and dexterity are critical.
One non-obvious fact: The U.S. Department of Education classifies the DDS and DMD as "first-professional degrees," not research doctorates. This means they are not designed for academic research careers, unlike PhDs in biomedical sciences. A dentist who wants to teach at a dental school typically earns a PhD to their DMD.
Consider Maya Rodriguez, who earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin with a 3.7 GPA. She scored 22 on the DAT and was admitted to the University of Washington School of Dentistry. Over four years, she completed 2,700 clinical hours treating patients in community clinics. She passed the NBDE Part I and II and the Washington State Dental Board exam. Upon receiving her DDS, she opened a private practice in Seattle, where she performs routine cleanings, fillings, and crowns.
Her path reflects the standard trajectory: undergraduate science courses, DAT preparation, dental school admission, clinical training, national and state exams, and licensure. Her degree is recognized by the ADA and the American Dental Association of Canada, allowing her to practice across borders under mutual recognition agreements.
The DDS and DMD are the only formal qualifications needed to practice general dentistry in the United States. These degrees represent rigorous academic and clinical training, culminating in the ability to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases. Understanding the structure and equivalence of these degrees clarifies the professional path and dispels common myths about dental education.