difference between D.M.D. and D.D.S.

[vincentyim]

what is the difference between the dental degree-DMD and DDS? Is DMD better? do both of them involve the same curriculum?

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[mini tooth]

There is no difference btw the 2 degrees. It just depends what dental school you graduate from. It doesn't mean one is superior to another. It's kind of like a tradition thing that the school passed on since it began its program. The schools from the East coast tend to have DMD degrees while schools on the West side have DDS degrees.

 

[Yah-E]

Mini tooth,

The DMD and DDS degrees are not separated by the regions of the U.S.! It's actually based on history of how certain schools interpret how they want to name their graduates and their philosophy behind dentistry. I think it's just coincidence that east coast schools has more DMD schools and west coast has more DDS schools! Here's a brief description of how the two degrees come about:

<img src="http://imagehost.auctionwatch.com/preview/sh/shie0023/dmddds.jpg" alt="" />
Above source is from American Student Dental Association publications

For further detailed explaination, visit this site and scroll down to United States section:

<a href="http://www.dental-site.itgo.com/westerndent1750.htm" target="_blank">http://www.dental-site.itgo.com/westerndent1750.htm</a>

Hope this clears up some confusion.

 

[MsPurtell]

Cool site, Yah-E. Thanks!

 

[JML1DDS]

The only difference between a DDS and a DMD is that one has an "S" and the other has an "M", but frankly I like the sound of Doctor of Dental Surgery better than Doctor of Medical Dentistry. On the flip side some people may like DMD better than DDS. You pick. Also, remember that the first degree was a DDS.....DMD came along later.