DMD vs. DDS

[Anotsu Kagehisa]

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Which degree is more prestigious and more valued by employers? Whats exactly is the difference?

 

[Rezdawg]

Well, the DDS allows you to perform surgery (doctor of dental surgery) while the DMD only allows you to basically practice medicine.

Just kidding. Its the same thing.

 

[Anotsu Kagehisa]

Then why do colleges award two different degrees? Shouldn't they standardize it?

 

[ItsGavinC]

Then why do colleges award two different degrees? Shouldn't they standardize it?

They should, but it probably won't happen (although I think such an event would be better for the public).

 

[Rezdawg]

Then why do colleges award two different degrees? Shouldn't they standardize it?

I agree that it they should standardize it.

I was at a dinner party one night and was talking to this girl. When she found out that I was going to dental school, she's said, "Ohhh, Mr. DDS". I said that I would actually be getting a DMD. Her response, "Isnt that like a dental hygienist or something?" 🙄

 

[dWiz]

DDS is more prestigous than DMD, and also they make heck of a lot more money than the poor DMDs

 

[Anotsu Kagehisa]

so i'm guessing the more prestigious sounding one is DDS since they sound like they can legally do surgery. what do the top dental schools(harvard) offer?

 

[Rezdawg]

so i'm guessing the more prestigious sounding one is DDS since they sound like they can legally do surgery. what do the top dental schools(harvard) offer?

Harvard, Tufts, Nova, Arizona (right gavin?), UConn, Temple, Pitt, Penn and a bunch of others give the DMD.

Its the same thing, dont choose your school based on what they give.

 

[simpledoc]

I agree that it they should standardize it.

I was at a dinner party one night and was talking to this girl. When she found out that I was going to dental school, she's said, "Ohhh, Mr. DDS". I said that I would actually be getting a DMD. Her response, "Isnt that like a dental hygienist or something?" 🙄

that is so funny i cant believe someone can be that ignorant..but all that said, i do strongly believe that 7/10 people from the outside world, still think that a DDS is a "more competent" dentist than a DMD dentist whom they always relate to their MD family physician..so if you are the DMD dentist, especially doing some surgical work on the ignorant lay man you will have to do the extra bit of hard work in convincing this to him, that there is no difference b/w the two!

 

[ScubaDr2B]

I was told by a dean of admissions that DMD is just the "old school" title for a dentist and over time it has been changed to set dentists apart from medical docs--same thing though


U of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine Class of 2009

 

[nothen2do]

There have been threads explaining this before. It used to be DDS everywhere until Harvard created their own dental school. Harvard only awards diplomas/titles in latin and Doctor of dental surgery sounded akward in latin, so with the help of a latin scholar, they decided on DMD (which actually dates back 1000 or more years (dont know exactly how long)). Long story short, many east coast schools jumped on the band wagon in the 50's and so now there is DDS and DMD. My dad is a DMD, and I will (hopefully 😉 ) be a DDS, but the two represent the title for dentist. And they should make one title, its ridiculous to have DDS and DMD.

 

[tx oms]

so i'm guessing the more prestigious sounding one is DDS since they sound like they can legally do surgery. what do the top dental schools(not harvard) offer?

Fixed

 

[45540]

Are you people so dense that you have to be spoon fed every little bit of information?

Try a search once in a while. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/search.php?

 

[bbllplya]

Are you people so dense that you have to be spoon fed every little bit of information?

Try a search once in a while. http://forums.studentdoctor.net/search.php?

good use of the word "dense".....

chill out

 

[cusp of carabelli]

that is so funny i cant believe someone can be that ignorant..but all that said, i do strongly believe that 7/10 people from the outside world, still think that a DDS is a "more competent" dentist than a DMD dentist whom they always relate to their MD family physician..so if you are the DMD dentist, especially doing some surgical work on the ignorant lay man you will have to do the extra bit of hard work in convincing this to him, that there is no difference b/w the two!

actually i think it's the other way around...that was the whole premise for why Case is changing from giving DDS's out to now giving out DMD's...b/c the public thought DMD's knew more b/c of the MD part...

 

[fishindr]

that is so funny i cant believe someone can be that ignorant..but all that said, i do strongly believe that 7/10 people from the outside world, still think that a DDS is a "more competent" dentist than a DMD dentist whom they always relate to their MD family physician..so if you are the DMD dentist, especially doing some surgical work on the ignorant lay man you will have to do the extra bit of hard work in convincing this to him, that there is no difference b/w the two!

"that is so funny i cant believe someone can be that ignorant..but all that said, i do strongly believe that 7/10 people from the outside world, still think that a DDS is a "more competent" dentist than a DMD dentist whom they always relate to their MD family physician.."

Now, THAT is funny and ignorant. How can you call someone "ignorant" and then follow it with a comment like that? Where'd you get that 70% stat? Made it up, huh? Nice. 👍

Honestly, it depends on what the degree the school in the immediate area gives. In my home state, there is only one dental school, and they give a DMD. So, consequently, most people here think DMD is the standard degree.

It's interesting how people get on here saying "you will have to do the extra bit of hard work in convincing this to him, that there is no difference b/w the two!", because nothing is farther from the truth. The truth is that most people don't care. In fact, a study was done by some dental students about this exact thing (if anyone has the link, please post it, I don't have the time to track it down here at work). In the study, patients were asked in an EXIT INTERVIEW where the dentist that they just saw went to school and what degree he had, I think it was something like 90% had no clue. Some of these patients had been going to there dentist for 10, 15+ years!

Try it out, ask anyone (friends, family, etc) where their dentist went to school and what degree he has (DDS or DMD). You'll get the same results. It's an even higher percentage when you use the more uncommon degree for the area (ie. DDS, here in my home state). Most people will say they don't know or they guess "Oh, he's got a DMD, yeah, that's it, DMD."

The important thing is to be a good dentist, because that's what people will remember. Whether you have a DMD or a DDS behind your name really doesn't matter.

 

[simpledoc]

Now, THAT is funny and ignorant. How can you call someone "ignorant" and then follow it with a comment like that? Where'd you get that 70% stat? Made it up, huh? Nice. 👍

Honestly, it depends on what the degree the school in the immediate area gives. In my home state, there is only one dental school, and they give a DMD. So, consequently, most people here think DMD is the standard degree.

It's interesting how people get on here saying "you will have to do the extra bit of hard work in convincing this to him, that there is no difference b/w the two!", because nothing is farther from the truth. The truth is that most people don't care. In fact, a study was done by some dental students about this exact thing (if anyone has the link, please post it, I don't have the time to track it down here at work). In the study, patients were asked in an EXIT INTERVIEW where the dentist that they just saw went to school and what degree he had, I think it was something like 90% had no clue. Some of these patients had been going to there dentist for 10, 15+ years!

Try it out, ask anyone (friends, family, etc) where their dentist went to school and what degree he has (DDS or DMD). You'll get the same results. It's an even higher percentage when you use the more uncommon degree for the area (ie. DDS, here in my home state). Most people will say they don't know or they guess "Oh, he's got a DMD, yeah, that's it, DMD."

The important thing is to be a good dentist, because that's what people will remember. Whether you have a DMD or a DDS behind your name really doesn't matter.

aah please stop being my nanny now with all this philosophy... and yeah i said "I strongly belive that 7/10 lay men think that DDS is better than DMD ........" and i never quoted any stats..eeks you are almost ready to bite me now DMD dentist!

 

[toofache32]

so i'm guessing the more prestigious sounding one is DDS since they sound like they can legally do surgery.

This is true. Remember, a DMD can only perform surgery under the direct supervision of a DDS...or a hygienist.

 

[balance]

Have you guys seen this title DDS/DMD. It was on a dentist's business card. Any idea?

 

[toofache32]

Have you guys seen this title DDS/DMD. It was on a dentist's business card. Any idea?

I saw one who turned out to be some foreign-trained bozo who was just putting extra letters after his name.

 

[balance]

I saw one who turned out to be some foreign-trained bozo who was just putting extra letters after his name.

Thanks toofache32,

I found a few more DDS/DMD's on Google. I believe they were all foreign-trained dentists. I wonder why they do that. How come foreign-trained medical doctors do not call themselves MD/MD?

 

[kato999]

Someone asked me this question the other day and I wasn't sure.

"If you are trained as a DMD but want to have a DDS after your name is it illegal to advertise DDS on your door or sign as such?"

This person was going into a group practice of all DDS dentists and didn't want to be confused as having different training. I assumed it was illegal, but I didn't know how you would get caught or on what grounds you could be charged. False advertising seems obvious, but since DMD and DDS are identical you really aren't changing anything. I know for sure it is illegal for a MD to claim DO and visaversa, but I didn't know about this.

Any JD/DDS/DMD's out there?

 

[Gulch]

the dds/dmd question has already been discussed ad nauseum. Do a quick search to get some real answers regarding their respective origins.

Now for my stupid response to a ridiculous post:

But if you were to ask my personal preference, I choose "DMD" for its symmetry. I feel that the "M" sandwiched by two letter "D's" lends a greater sense of order to a post-nominal title, thereby commanding more respect. It is like a Degree thats also a pallindrome of letters. Absolutely brilliant. No wonder it was made up by Harvard. Those guys are so genius. I only wish I could turn that first "D" backwards...

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Have you guys seen this title DDS/DMD. It was on a dentist's business card. Any idea?

If your a dentist from another country and got a DDS and you come and do an advanced dental degree to practice in the US and get the DMD degree you technically have a DDS and DMD degree.

CHeck out one of our profs from Temple:

http://www.temple.edu/dentistry/AppDev/port.asp?portID=156

Dude has a DDS from Iraq, DDS from Norway, phD from Norway and a DMD from Temple and specialized in perio.

 

[aphistis]

Someone asked me this question the other day and I wasn't sure.

"If you are trained as a DMD but want to have a DDS after your name is it illegal to advertise DDS on your door or sign as such?"

This person was going into a group practice of all DDS dentists and didn't want to be confused as having different training. I assumed it was illegal, but I didn't know how you would get caught or on what grounds you could be charged. False advertising seems obvious, but since DMD and DDS are identical you really aren't changing anything. I know for sure it is illegal for a MD to claim DO and visaversa, but I didn't know about this.

Any JD/DDS/DMD's out there?

Regardless of whether the degrees are equivalent, you still only have one (in all likelihood), and it's a false claim to advertise the other. I'll check with a JD/DDS at school today or tomorrow to find out for sure.

 

[DrJeff]

Have you guys seen this title DDS/DMD. It was on a dentist's business card. Any idea?

Maybe he/she was/is a confused Case Western graduate?? 😀 😉

 

[Stanford-NYU.07]

In an effort to bring harmony to this forum once again, I will settle the discussion...

There is a HUGE difference between the two...


D.D.S. is spelled differently than D.M.D.

Can't we all just be Dentists?

 

[fishindr]

aah please stop being my nanny now with all this philosophy... and yeah i said "I strongly belive that 7/10 lay men think that DDS is better than DMD ........" and i never quoted any stats..eeks you are almost ready to bite me now DMD dentist!

Philosophy? What are you talking about? 😕

The important thing really IS to be a good dentist. Most people, when you asked them what degree their dentist has, have no idea. But, what they can tell you is....get ready for this.....whether or not he/she a "good" dentist or not. If they think he/she is a good dentist, they are going to keep coming to see them and refer their family and friends to them. If you want to be in business and stay that way, you better be a good dentist.

I'm not ready to "bite" you (which by the way, you're freaking me out man), I just thought is was really funny.

Your second post gave me another good . A little wierd, but funny none-the-less.

 

[fishindr]

In an effort to bring harmony to this forum once again, I will settle the discussion...

There is a HUGE difference between the two...


D.D.S. is spelled differently than D.M.D.

Can't we all just be Dentists?

 

[lnn2]

I don't see anything funny about the post above. Am I missing something or are you smoking something?! Yeah, I think that it's the latter!

 

[45540]

I don't see anything funny about the post above. Am I missing something or are you smoking something?! Yeah, I think that it's the latter!

I found it mildly amusing. But i might be high off denatured alcohol from waxing.

 

[lnn2]

I saw one who turned out to be some foreign-trained bozo who was just putting extra letters after his name.

What's up with that?! Is it a case of false advertisement or stupidity?!
It's obvious that they do not have both DDS AND DMD degrees. Sure they probably have an EQUIVALENT degree to DDS?DMD from his/her country. But as we know, in order to practice dentistry in the U.S. they have to do an advanced training program. They'll receive a dental degree (DDS or DMD) after graduation from an US dental school. So they're practicing dentistry under the license from the US school (a DDS or DMD) not from the foreign dental school.

To put DDS-DMD after their names is misleading and it makes them look like a bozo at the very least, imo!

 

[lnn2]

I found it mildly amusing. But i might be high off denatured alcohol from waxing.

Now that's funny!
Do you guys know how to reprosiled wax? comes in handy once you start clinic.

 

[toofache32]

I heard from this guy who's dad is a pharmacist that a DDS makes more than a DMD.

 

[Rezdawg]

I heard from this guy who's dad is a pharmacist that a DDS makes more than a DMD.

I doubt the difference is that much. However, I can see how they would make a little more because they are able to do surgical procedures. That sucks for DMD's, but life isnt fair.

 

[Gulch]

I heard from this guy who's dad is a pharmacist that a DDS makes more than a DMD.

My garbage truck driver just told me the same thing yesterday. And to think Case just switched from DDS to DMD. It is like giving their grads a paycut! Unbelievable!

 

[45540]

Now that's funny!
Do you guys know how to reprosiled wax? comes in handy once you start clinic.

I've never heard that term before. Some people make negative impressions with impression putty and extrude onto it, but that's the only shortcut i've seen really. I've gotten pretty fast at it, but it still takes me about an hour to wax up a crown and get it to where i like it.

 

[burton117]

Regardless of whether the degrees are equivalent, you still only have one (in all likelihood), and it's a false claim to advertise the other. I'll check with a JD/DDS at school today or tomorrow to find out for sure.

Drumroll....................................................

 

[johnkimdmd]

I doubt the difference is that much. However, I can see how they would make a little more because they are able to do surgical procedures. That sucks for DMD's, but life isnt fair.

Uhhh...yeah...are you even in dental school? Is that what they teach you at your school? I guarantee DMD's are allowed to do the same procedures as DDS's. A general dentist of either degree can do anything in the realm of dentistry including procedures normally done by specialists. Legally you are held to the level of the specialist blah blah blah. Were you just being sarcastic? I'm sorry if you were, and I didn't get it.

If you were being serious, then I don't know which pharmacist's son or garbage man you get your info from either. Keep posting though, it makes me laugh. 😀 😀 😀

J

 

[Rezdawg]

Were you just being sarcastic?

My short answer: Of course.

 

[45540]

Uhhh...yeah...are you even in dental school? Is that what they teach you at your school? I guarantee DMD's are allowed to do the same procedures as DDS's. A general dentist of either degree can do anything in the realm of dentistry including procedures normally done by specialists.

today my friend's dad said that his doctor said that dentists with a DDS are better clinicians whereas dentists with DMD's are better suited for research. So it only makes sense that someone with a DDS would make more money.

That's why i wouldn't apply to a school that gives a DMD, I wanted the extra money the DDS will give me.

 

[lnn2]

today my friend's dad said that his doctor said that dentists with a DDS are better clinicians whereas dentists with DMD's are better suited for research. So it only makes sense that someone with a DDS would make more money.

That's why i wouldn't apply to a school that gives a DMD, I wanted the extra money the DDS will give me.

Man, you guys have to stop hanging out with the wrong people! They're smoking the bad stuff!
I don't think that you're all being serious! (I hope not!) If you're from states like Texas, CA then the folks there might not know what DMD stands for. If you're from MA, PA then people might not know what DDS stands for. Or they might don't even know what the helll DDS & DMD stand for altogether! They might think that DMD is some kind of a medial doc! Other than that it doesn't make a difference.

btw, I heard that only DDS can do surgery but if they need to write a Rx they have to call the DMD because only DMD can write prescriptions, legally because of the MD letter. (Dentist Medical Doc) 😉

 

[johnkimdmd]

today my friend's dad said that his doctor said that dentists with a DDS are better clinicians whereas dentists with DMD's are better suited for research. So it only makes sense that someone with a DDS would make more money.

That's why i wouldn't apply to a school that gives a DMD, I wanted the extra money the DDS will give me.

Yeah...it only makes sense...

You're in for a surprise. It's not going to affect how much money you make. If anything, it will work against you, because many lay people make the assumption that DMD is closer to an MD and therefore requires more education. That's total bunk of course. But it's only slightly more illogical than what you believe about your degree.

Please send your above statement to the ADA accreditation committee and see what they say. Please, please, please do it. Also, please repeat it several times to the faculty at your school.

I work with two graduates from YOUR dental school who would disagree and be embarrassed by that comment which is based on nothing but hearsay. If needed, I can have them write to you. Is your dad's friend's doctor's cousin's former roommate even a dentist? Is that where you learn about dentistry? Third hand from physicians? Have some respect for your own profession. You think physician's are better judges of quality dental care? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Do you ask your urologist which toothpaste to use too? Did your cardiologist teach you how to floss. That doctor's comments are probably some bastardization of the literal translations of each degree. What year are you that you don't even know something so basic? It's totally arbitrary which degree a dental school chooses to use. That's why school's like Case Western are free to switch between the two. Do you think every dentist in Pennsylvania was trained to be a dental researcher because there is a predominance of DMDs? Do you even read JADA or the AGD journal (General Dentistry)? Do you see more DMD's than DDS's? Oh God, I'm yelling at a deaf person...Man, if you just want to make more money, please learn more about dentistry. That will make you a better clinician too.

 

[lnn2]

... Do you ask your urologist which toothpaste to use too? ...

I bet you that he wouuld recommend KY Jelly! 😀 You betcha he would!!!

 

[johnkimdmd]

I found it mildly amusing. But i might be high off denatured alcohol from waxing.

Ok, man. If you're still just waxing teeth that explains a lot.

I blew my lid, but I really hope you do discover the truths about dentistry from dentists and not your dad's physician friends. Like I said, in case you don't believe me, I know two DDS's that I work with who graduated from your school and would be happy to write to you.

 

[45540]

I don't see how anyone in their right mind whatsoever could take any of my comments seriously. I also don't see how any decently educated person could find any reason whatsoever to think there's a difference between DMD and DDS except that schools arbitrarily, it seems, decide which one to award.

I'd love to talk to any graduates of UT, I'm sure they're doing great wherever they're practicing now. The degree doesn't mean anything, it's the fact that they graduated from a dental school.

I thought my comments were outrageous in and of themselves to not be taken seriously. My bad, sarcasm isn't appreciated by all I guess.

 

[johnkimdmd]

My short answer: Of course.

Sorry man, here's why I wasn't sure, comments like this one make me wince:

"today my friend's dad said that his doctor said that dentists with a DDS are better clinicians whereas dentists with DMD's are better suited for research. So it only makes sense that someone with a DDS would make more money.

That's why i wouldn't apply to a school that gives a DMD, I wanted the extra money the DDS will give me."

-CJWolf

 

[lnn2]

John, don't get too worked up bro! 🙂
Be safe in the coming tour to Iraq! Our prayers are with you bro! and the troops, of course!

 

[45540]

Do you even read JADA or the AGD journal (General Dentistry)?

What's JADA? Next you're going to tell me there are scientific journals that involve dentistry, wouldn't that be rich...


... That was sarcasm

 

[lnn2]

What's JADA?

Journal of American Dental Assistant!