Take your pick: DDS or DMD to advertise

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aegdboy

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So I am studying for the FL law exam and came across something very strange. Here is copy and paste right from Chapter 466:

466.019 Advertising by dentists.—

(3) For purposes of this section, D.D.S. or D.M.D. are synonymous and may be used interchangeably by licensed dentists who have graduated from an accredited American dental school with a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree, when advertising dental services.
History.—ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 12, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; ss. 14, 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429.


I will graduate with a DDS. Most people in FL have a DMD. If I plan to join a group of 4 dentist's, all with DMD's, should I elect to put DMD so patients don't get confused? I actually prefer DDS because I hate latin degree's :laugh:

Just as a visual of a potential advertising

Dr. Alotta Pain, DMD
Dr. Goofd Uped, DMD
Dr. Over Extended, DMD
Dr. Not Good, DMD
Dr. Weird Degree, DDS

So you think patients will care? Might they question why guy number 5 is different?

Now remember, from what I gather most dentist in FL are DMD
 
aegdboy said:
So I am studying for the FL law exam and came across something very strange. Here is copy and paste right from Chapter 466:

466.019 Advertising by dentists.—

(3) For purposes of this section, D.D.S. or D.M.D. are synonymous and may be used interchangeably by licensed dentists who have graduated from an accredited American dental school with a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree, when advertising dental services.
History.—ss. 1, 3, ch. 79-330; ss. 2, 3, ch. 81-318; ss. 12, 23, 24, ch. 86-291; ss. 14, 60, ch. 91-137; s. 7, ch. 91-156; s. 4, ch. 91-429.


I will graduate with a DDS. Most people in FL have a DMD. If I plan to join a group of 4 dentist's, all with DMD's, should I elect to put DMD so patients don't get confused? I actually prefer DDS because I hate latin degree's :laugh:

Just as a visual of a potential advertising

Dr. Alotta Pain, DMD
Dr. Goofd Uped, DMD
Dr. Over Extended, DMD
Dr. Not Good, DMD
Dr. Weird Degree, DDS

So you think patients will care? Might they question why guy number 5 is different?

Now remember, from what I gather most dentist in FL are DMD
Click to expand...

I don't think it matters at all man. Most of the general public don't even know that dentists have a different degree than their physicians not do they really care. From what I remember, until my sophomore year in college, I always thought dentists had a MD.
 
Shouldn't matter.
I always thought all dentists had DDS.
 
Yeah it was in my freshman year that I actually realized that dentist don't go to medical school.
 
If you're that worried about it, transfer now🤣

Seriously though, 99.9% of patients really only care about the "Dr" part (if at anything at all) - Where you went to d-school might be of slight conversational interest to them, but the DMD/DDS thing is far beyond comprehension for just about all of them
 
DrJeff said:
If you're that worried about it, transfer now🤣

Seriously though, 99.9% of patients really only care about the "Dr" part (if at anything at all) - Where you went to d-school might be of slight conversational interest to them, but the DMD/DDS thing is far beyond comprehension for just about all of them
Click to expand...

Everyone is missing my point/question.

I could careless which is after my name, BUT when the majority of dentist in FL have a DMD and I have an option to choose. So should I pick DMD to minimize patient confusion?

It is not about transfering and I prefer DDS but the group I will join is all DMD. So that I blend nicely with everyone should I do DMD since the law allows it?

That is the question
 
aegdboy said:
Everyone is missing my point/question.

I could careless which is after my name, BUT when the majority of dentist in FL have a DMD and I have an option to choose. So should I pick DMD to minimize patient confusion?

It is not about transfering and I prefer DDS but the group I will join is all DMD. So that I blend nicely with everyone should I do DMD since the law allows it?

That is the question
Click to expand...

If you're going to have a DDS awarded to you upon graduation, then advertise what you are. Like I said before, 99.9% of patients could care less about the DMD/DDS thing, and frankly that 0.1% that does is probably a person that you DON'T want as a patient since more than likely they'll be a MAJOR P.I.T.A.😱
 
DrJeff said:
If you're going to have a DDS awarded to you upon graduation, then advertise what you are. Like I said before, 99.9% of patients could care less about the DMD/DDS thing, and frankly that 0.1% that does is probably a person that you DON'T want as a patient since more than likely they'll be a MAJOR P.I.T.A.😱
Click to expand...
+1👍
 
My one experience with this (in Florida) was a friend who was researching dentists to get her thirds out. She asked if she should go to an oral surgeon with a DDS instead of a DMD because they were "trained as a surgeon".

This was an intelligent and educated girl who was doing her own research and thought there might be a difference. She asked. As will anyone else who is even remotely curious. Then they will be told there's no difference and all will be right in the world once more.

I'd advertise with what's on your degree. Then throw that degree up on the wall with pride.
 
Wait a second, I thought it was illegal to advertise DMD when you were awarded a DDS and vice versa. Or is this like a state by state thing? Whats going on here
 
NyCzPeter said:
Wait a second, I thought it was illegal to advertise DMD when you were awarded a DDS and vice versa. Or is this like a state by state thing? Whats going on here
Click to expand...

Yeah, apparently FL lets you pick. I just read this as I was stuyding for my law exam. I forget which state it is, but no matter which degree you get, you can only put DDS after your name.

I will just make life easy and go with my DDS.

As mentioned, a DMD is not qualified to do surgery and I plan to do implants :laugh:
 
Mackchops said:
This was an intelligent and educated girl who was doing her own research and thought there might be a difference.
Click to expand...

Several dentists I have shadowed said people get too stubborn when they read stuff online...especially when the dentist is attempting to treat them and that's not what the internet said.
 
Public perception of DDS versus DMD degrees.
J Am Coll Dent. 1999 Fall;66(3):29-37.
There are currently two degrees awarded to dental graduates from U.S. dental schools. The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine the level of confusion among lay personnel concerning these degrees and (2) to identify and explore any basis for any public opinion. Five hundred and twenty-four lay persons were interviewed in Cleveland and the surrounding area. Chi-square analyses were employed to determine the effects of gender, frequency of dental visits, types of dental insurance, education level, age, income, and race on public perception of the DDS and DMD degrees. Fewer than 20% of those interviewed knew that a DDS and DMD received the same level of training. Of those who indicated there was a difference in training, 69% felt that DMDs had more training than DDSs. Since the majority of lay persons were confused about the two degrees, the establishment of one unified dental degree may contribute to a better public understanding of the education and capabilities of dentists.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=10612944&log$=activity
 
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aegdboy said:
Everyone is missing my point/question.

I could careless which is after my name, BUT when the majority of dentist in FL have a DMD and I have an option to choose. So should I pick DMD to minimize patient confusion?

It is not about transfering and I prefer DDS but the group I will join is all DMD. So that I blend nicely with everyone should I do DMD since the law allows it?

That is the question
Click to expand...

No. I'd definitely do the DDS.

1. Whether its legal or not, its ETHICAL to put what you actually have. You'll look like a fool and a "sketchy" person if you ever have to explain to a patient why the diploma on the wall says DDS but your card says DMD.
2. I would hands down prefer to stand out. If everybody else in florida has a DMD (bc thats what the local school award and ppl tend to stay where they graduate), then you WANT people to look at you and go wow, this guy did something different. specially if you're just a generalist.
2. DDS has been around longer I believe....would be more "comfortable" with the elderly popualation in florida. Its also awarded more commonly nationally.
3. If I saw that list of names and saw 4 DMDs and one DDS, my first thought would be "hey, is that DDS guy the one in charge? the boss who owns the practice?".

You WANT people to ask you what DDS vs DMD means. Its not all that important. but its a good ice breaker and it'll be memorable for the patient and start a dialogue about your treatment philosophy
 
Its interesting people want to change over from a DMD to a DDS... probably for the obvious reasons.
 
Pyriots said:
No. I'd definitely do the DDS.

1. Whether its legal or not, its ETHICAL to put what you actually have. You'll look like a fool and a "sketchy" person if you ever have to explain to a patient why the diploma on the wall says DDS but your card says DMD.
2. I would hands down prefer to stand out. If everybody else in florida has a DMD (bc thats what the local school award and ppl tend to stay where they graduate), then you WANT people to look at you and go wow, this guy did something different. specially if you're just a generalist.
2. DDS has been around longer I believe....would be more "comfortable" with the elderly popualation in florida. Its also awarded more commonly nationally.
3. If I saw that list of names and saw 4 DMDs and one DDS, my first thought would be "hey, is that DDS guy the one in charge? the boss who owns the practice?".

You WANT people to ask you what DDS vs DMD means. Its not all that important. but its a good ice breaker and it'll be memorable for the patient and start a dialogue about your treatment philosophy
Click to expand...
This is a good post. I agree completely.
 
Pyriots said:
No. I'd definitely do the DDS.

1. Whether its legal or not, its ETHICAL to put what you actually have. You'll look like a fool and a "sketchy" person if you ever have to explain to a patient why the diploma on the wall says DDS but your card says DMD.
2. I would hands down prefer to stand out. If everybody else in florida has a DMD (bc thats what the local school award and ppl tend to stay where they graduate), then you WANT people to look at you and go wow, this guy did something different. specially if you're just a generalist.
2. DDS has been around longer I believe....would be more "comfortable" with the elderly popualation in florida. Its also awarded more commonly nationally.
3. If I saw that list of names and saw 4 DMDs and one DDS, my first thought would be "hey, is that DDS guy the one in charge? the boss who owns the practice?".

You WANT people to ask you what DDS vs DMD means. Its not all that important. but its a good ice breaker and it'll be memorable for the patient and start a dialogue about your treatment philosophy
Click to expand...

Funny, you could easily reword this list to say that going to Harvard, for instance, is better because
(1) you would stand out, people would go 'wow, this guy did something different,'
(2) Harvard Dental School has been around for a longer time than most other schools, it must be a pretty amazing school, and
(3) if i saw a list of names and saw 4 state schools and one Harvard, my first thought would be " "hey, is that Harvard guy/gal the one in charge? the boss who owns the practice?"

If I posted this though, I'd get shot down in mere seconds because, well, i don't know.
 
Last edited:
ChubbyBaby said:
Funny, you could easily reword this list to say that going to Harvard, for instance, is better because
(1) you would stand out, people would go 'wow, this guy did something different,'
(2) Harvard Dental School has been around for a longer time than most other schools, it must be a pretty amazing school, and
(3) if i saw a list of names and saw 4 state schools and one Harvard, my first thought would be " "hey, is that Harvard guy/gal the one in charge? the boss who owns the practice?"

If I posted this though, I'd get shot down in mere seconds because, well, i don't know.
Click to expand...
You could. You'd be completely incorrect about every point, but you could.
 
aphistis said:
You could. You'd be completely incorrect about every point, but you could.
Click to expand...

You WANT people to ask you what Harvard vs. any other dental school means. Its not all that important. but its a good ice breaker and it'll be memorable for the patient and start a dialogue about your treatment philosophy.

!! 😛
 
ChubbyBaby said:
Public perception of DDS versus DMD degrees.
J Am Coll Dent. 1999 Fall;66(3):29-37.
There are currently two degrees awarded to dental graduates from U.S. dental schools. The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine the level of confusion among lay personnel concerning these degrees and (2) to identify and explore any basis for any public opinion. Five hundred and twenty-four lay persons were interviewed in Cleveland and the surrounding area. Chi-square analyses were employed to determine the effects of gender, frequency of dental visits, types of dental insurance, education level, age, income, and race on public perception of the DDS and DMD degrees. Fewer than 20% of those interviewed knew that a DDS and DMD received the same level of training. Of those who indicated there was a difference in training, 69% felt that DMDs had more training than DDSs. Since the majority of lay persons were confused about the two degrees, the establishment of one unified dental degree may contribute to a better public understanding of the education and capabilities of dentists.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?Db=pubmed&Cmd=ShowDetailView&TermToSearch=10612944&log$=activity
Click to expand...

Guys, research has shown that DMD > DDS.

Discussion over. Thread closed.
 
ok fellas, DMD>DDS, let's pack this one up, move it or lose it, adios, bon soir
 
ChubbyBaby said:
Public perception of DDS versus DMD degrees.
J Am Coll Dent. 1999 Fall;66(3):29-37.
There are currently two degrees awarded to dental graduates from U.S. dental schools. The aim of this study was two-fold: (1) to determine the level of confusion among lay personnel concerning these degrees and (2) to identify and explore any basis for any public opinion. Five hundred and twenty-four lay persons were interviewed in Cleveland and the surrounding area. Chi-square analyses were employed to determine the effects of gender, frequency of dental visits, types of dental insurance, education level, age, income, and race on public perception of the DDS and DMD degrees. Fewer than 20% of those interviewed knew that a DDS and DMD received the same level of training. Of those who indicated there was a difference in training, 69% felt that DMDs had more training than DDSs. Since the majority of lay persons were confused about the two degrees, the establishment of one unified dental degree may contribute to a better public understanding of the education and capabilities of dentists.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/e...etailView&TermToSearch=10612944&log$=activity
Click to expand...


So. . .that research doesn't really tell us anything. Cleveland's only D school is Case, and it awards a DMD. U. Pitt is the next closest D school (130 miles), and it also awards a DMD. That study maybe supports that a few people pay attention to the credentials of dentists in their area. :laugh:
 
blondiegurlkg said:
That study maybe supports that a few people pay attention to the credentials of dentists in their area. :laugh:
Click to expand...

Possible confounder? Maybe. But Detroit Mercy, Univ. Michigan, Ohio State (Columbus), Indiana, SUNY Buffalo offer DDS.

Anyway, this is silly, the whole point i'm trying to make is that it DOESN'T matter if you have DDS/DMD or what school you go to. And that people will try and say their degree or school is the best, even if they criticize other people trying to make superficial generalizations in other areas.
 
Last edited:
ChubbyBaby said:
Possible confounder? Maybe. But Detroit Mercy, Univ. Michigan, Ohio State (Columbus), Indiana, SUNY Buffalo offer DDS.

Anyway, this is silly, the whole point i'm trying to make is that it DOESN'T matter if you have DDS/DMD or what school you go to. And that people will try and say their degree or school is the best, even if they criticize other people trying to make superficial generalizations in other areas.
Click to expand...

oh i thought you meant that you think DMD>DDS when you wrote DMD>DDS twice.
 
DMD = Dentist + MD
DDS = Dentist

therefore, DMD > DDS

/thread






















haha, jus playin
 
Since you can be either, why not be both 🙂

Dr. Absolute Baller, DDS DMD

I've learned that the more acronyms the better
 
ChubbyBaby said:
Possible confounder? Maybe. But Detroit Mercy, Univ. Michigan, Ohio State (Columbus), Indiana, SUNY Buffalo offer DDS.

Anyway, this is silly, the whole point i'm trying to make is that it DOESN'T matter if you have DDS/DMD or what school you go to. And that people will try and say their degree or school is the best, even if they criticize other people trying to make superficial generalizations in other areas.
Click to expand...

wait wait wait... is that a confederate flag hat?! hahaha classy.
 
aegdboy said:
Yeah, apparently FL lets you pick. I just read this as I was stuyding for my law exam. I forget which state it is, but no matter which degree you get, you can only put DDS after your name.

I will just make life easy and go with my DDS.

As mentioned, a DMD is not qualified to do surgery and I plan to do implants :laugh:
Click to expand...

doesn't DMD do everything a DDS would do?
 
I went to a presentation Thursday because Pacific is looking for a new removable prosth department chair. The guy presentating had probably the most amazing credentials any dentist could ever have: Dr. X, DDS, DMD.

No joke.
 
armorshell said:
I went to a presentation Thursday because Pacific is looking for a new removable prosth department chair. The guy presentating had probably the most amazing credentials any dentist could ever have: Dr. X, DDS, DMD.

No joke.
Click to expand...

He's twice the dentist we'll ever be. :meanie:
 
no lie, when i was looking for a dentist when i was in HS and had no idea on the "different" degrees or letters after his name i was looking at the "family dentistry" sign in front of his building. i'm sure i'm not the only one.

just food for thought


edit:nevermind
 
Last edited:
bigstix808 said:
no lie, when i was looking for a dentist when i was in HS and had no idea on the "different" degrees or letters after his name i was looking at the "family dentistry" sign in front of his building. i'm sure i'm not the only one.

just food for thought


edit: oh, and for the people that are going to be a smart *** to my remark...he did excellent work and was very quick and friendly. my brother still see's him and says he is still as good now as he was then.

yup, a building sign did the trick.
Click to expand...

i'm looking for something to be a smart*** about but can't find anything. Good job!👍
 
AkaDr said:
doesn't DMD do everything a DDS would do?
Click to expand...

Nope. I just had a DMD treatment plan the implant I need put in my mouth for #19, but a DDS had to place it. Then the DDS had to get the DMD to write me the pain pills because a DDS doesn't have script ability.

The world of dentistry is crazy!!!!! 😱
 
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