To all the idiots who keeps arguing that there is no difference b/w DMD and DDS

[americanpierg]

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Its just been too depressing to see all you self-proclaimed geniuses bashing people who can't decide between two schools because one offers DMD and the other DDS when you can't even understand the simple fact that in the real world it has the potential to make a huge difference depending on location.

""In places like New York where D.D.S. is the most common degree, some dentists with D.M.D. degrees prefer to use the D.D.S. as their degree on their stationary or when they advertise. These dentists argue that in their areas the public understands that D.D.S. means "dentist". Indeed, many entities such as the New York and California State Boards of Dental Examiners communicates with all licensed dentists as D.D.S., even if they originally graduated with a D.M.D. or other similar dental degree. Some D.D.S. dentists object to D.M.D. dentists using D.D.S., mostly out of a desire to cut down on competition.""

 

[Oracle DMD]

Its just been too depressing to see all you self-proclaimed geniuses bashing people who can't decide between two schools because one offers DMD and the other DDS when you can't even understand the simple fact that in the real world it has the potential to make a huge difference depending on location.

""In places like New York where D.D.S. is the most common degree, some dentists with D.M.D. degrees prefer to use the D.D.S. as their degree on their stationary or when they advertise. These dentists argue that in their areas the public understands that D.D.S. means "dentist". Indeed, many entities such as the New York and California State Boards of Dental Examiners communicates with all licensed dentists as D.D.S., even if they originally graduated with a D.M.D. or other similar dental degree. Some D.D.S. dentists object to D.M.D. dentists using D.D.S., mostly out of a desire to cut down on competition.""

...and your point is?

 

[Pennywisdom]

Its just been too depressing to see all you self-proclaimed geniuses bashing people who can't decide between two schools because one offers DMD and the other DDS when you can't even understand the simple fact that in the real world it has the potential to make a huge difference depending on location.

""In places like New York where D.D.S. is the most common degree, some dentists with D.M.D. degrees prefer to use the D.D.S. as their degree on their stationary or when they advertise. These dentists argue that in their areas the public understands that D.D.S. means "dentist". Indeed, many entities such as the New York and California State Boards of Dental Examiners communicates with all licensed dentists as D.D.S., even if they originally graduated with a D.M.D. or other similar dental degree. Some D.D.S. dentists object to D.M.D. dentists using D.D.S., mostly out of a desire to cut down on competition.""

Oh snap, but Harvard offers DMD. So what do you suggest we do?

 

[americanpierg]

...and your point is?

To stop threadcrapping on people who are trying to seek advice on which acceptances to accept based on the degrees offered.

The classic "DDS and DMD are equivalent degrees, you idiot!" response-- No duh sherlock, but that still doesn't negate the fact that it has the potential to make a dramatic impact on the economic aspect of your future practice after you graduate.

 

[Oracle DMD]

To stop threadcrapping on people who are trying to seek advice on which acceptances to accept based on the degrees offered.

The classic "DDS and DMD are equivalent degrees, you idiot!" response-- No duh sherlock, but that still doesn't negate the fact that it has the potential to make a dramatic impact on the economic aspect of your future practice after you graduate.

dramatic impact on your future earnings? ...feeling a bit dramatic yourself this morning eh?

 

[americanpierg]

dramatic impact on your future earnings? ...feeling a bit dramatic yourself this morning eh?

Actually a little high on an all night Monster energy drink binge preparing for some fun gross anatomy multiple choice questions later this afternoon.

 

[Noelle23]

So, if a DMD can use DDS on things like advertising and stationary then why in the world would they choose a school based soley on this????? Obviosuly they can use either one so it doesn't really matter. Its ludicris to think that some DDS oppose DMD using DDS. 🤣I can't imagine a professional acting this way and if they did they really aren't my competition anyway.

What's your deal dude??👎thumbdown

Its just been too depressing to see all you self-proclaimed geniuses bashing people who can't decide between two schools because one offers DMD and the other DDS when you can't even understand the simple fact that in the real world it has the potential to make a huge difference depending on location.

""In places like New York where D.D.S. is the most common degree, some dentists with D.M.D. degrees prefer to use the D.D.S. as their degree on their stationary or when they advertise. These dentists argue that in their areas the public understands that D.D.S. means "dentist". Indeed, many entities such as the New York and California State Boards of Dental Examiners communicates with all licensed dentists as D.D.S., even if they originally graduated with a D.M.D. or other similar dental degree. Some D.D.S. dentists object to D.M.D. dentists using D.D.S., mostly out of a desire to cut down on competition.""

 

[Osity]

If they can do exactly the same, like you said, they're the same. A significant difference in earnings though? I don't think so. Harvard=dmd, lots of other well-known schools=dds. Not a difference.

Easy there pal, it'll be ok, even if you have been studying forfor anatomy all night.

 

[toothes]

So, if a DMD can use DDS on things like advertising and stationary then why in the world would they choose a school based soley on this????? Obviosuly they can use either one so it doesn't really matter. Its ludicris to think that some DDS oppose DMD using DDS. 🤣I can't imagine a professional acting this way and if they did they really aren't my competition anyway.

What's your deal dude??👎thumbdown

Ludacris**

 

[Montserrat]

To stop threadcrapping on people who are trying to seek advice on which acceptances to accept based on the degrees offered.

The classic "DDS and DMD are equivalent degrees, you idiot!" response-- No duh sherlock, but that still doesn't negate the fact that it has the potential to make a dramatic impact on the economic aspect of your future practice after you graduate.

A good number of my family are immigrants, and they have asked me which is better. So the public perception aspect of it does matter in a sense, even if it does seem silly to those who have read up a bit about the origins of the name split. However, I can't imagine someone turning down a school based on the degree they offer.

Though -- I get what you're saying. For the most part, people aren't looking for a history lesson when they ask the question, and telling someone that they are equivalent degrees saves both time and energy.

 

[Odontos2015]

The OP does have a point. While there is absolutely no difference between the two degrees, public perception of these two degrees does vary geographically. In my hometown of Akron, OH, I'd say around 90% of the dentists are DDS. That is because we are within close proximity to OSU and Case (awarded DDS until about a decade ago). So of course people here are going to associate a dentist more with a DDS degree. However, it goes both ways. All of the Massachusetts schools award the DMD so I imagine that in MA, it is more commonly associated with "dentist" than DDS.

Now does any of this matter? I don't think so. If you are advertised as a dentist, people will simply accept that you are a dentist. I can't picture anyone specifically seeking out a DMD or DDS, so it really shouldn't be a factor in the dental school you choose. You will always have people that don't understand how the two degrees work, but you will also have patients that think all you do is check teeth at the end and the hygienist does all the real work. So who cares what people think. Pick the best fit dental school, the DMD vs. DDS will have no effect on your success.

 

[jonishere5]

This thread really does make me wonder what people really think about the two degrees. All of us on pre-dental students know what that DDS/DMD are the same degree just a different title.

I wonder though, if a random person in the population who doesn't know much about dentistry degrees is looking through the yellow pages for a dentist and sees two ads for a dentist but notices one dentist has a DMD, while the other has a DDS, and that person decides to choose the dentist with a DDS degree just because he thinks the dentist with a DMD degree is a specialist or just picks the dentist with the DDS degree because he is more familiar with that term.

I doubt it will make a significantly large impact, but when advertising I think it would be wise for a dentist to take into account the public perception of his title/degree. If I was a dentist just starting out and building a practice from the ground up, I would be looking to get all the customers I could get and would probably choose to advertise my title as DDS rather than DMD when advertising, just because that tends to be the more familiar term to most people.

 

[Odontos2015]

Another solution would be to advertise simply as Dr. X, General Dentist. Does anyone know if there are any legal issues with a DDS advertising as DMD and vice versa? I've seen instances where dentists have both titles, but usually due to having been previously trained overseas.

 

[Nymphicus]

Ludacris**

Ludicrous

 

[Erhatstil]

it was obviously in reference to luda, the rapper

 

[MechZZ]

I like quoting news articles without posting my source too!

 

[AtlantaBraves]

It's like having an S.T.D. versus an S.T.I.

 

[JonNCSU08]

This is the dumbest thread ever. If someone is debating b/w schools based on the title, they are an idiot. I know in North Carolina most of the dentists have a DDS because of UNC, but now that ECU will be offering a DMD, I believe in 15 years it will be pretty split.

 

[iamsyc]

It's like having an S.T.D. versus an S.T.I.

👍
🤣

 

[lemoncurry]

the topic has been discussed to death, reincarnated, killed, resurrected, killed again, and still this tired argument comes up again. If there really is a difference in the "real world" between how much business you get as a dds vs. a dmd, please provide evidence.

 

[476515678234896]

the topic has been discussed to death, reincarnated, killed, resurrected, killed again, and still this tired argument comes up again. If there really is a difference in the "real world" between how much business you get as a dds vs. a dmd, please provide evidence.

well my dad's, cousin's, plumber's, step-niece's, molester's, inmate's, significant other's, adopted son's, gardener said that DMD makes more than DDS.

So there...

 

[476515678234896]

DMD is the new MD

but this should be evidence enough. 😀😉

 

[lemoncurry]

too bad i'm just getting a DDS... 🙄

 

[Maygyver]

too bad i'm just getting a DDS... 🙄

You should think of getting a dual degree and picking up a DMD as well to supplement your DDS. Just in case.

 

[dentalWorks]

Its just been too depressing to see all you self-proclaimed geniuses bashing people who can't decide between two schools because one offers DMD and the other DDS when you can't even understand the simple fact that in the real world it has the potential to make a huge difference depending on location.

""In places like New York where D.D.S. is the most common degree, some dentists with D.M.D. degrees prefer to use the D.D.S. as their degree on their stationary or when they advertise. These dentists argue that in their areas the public understands that D.D.S. means "dentist". Indeed, many entities such as the New York and California State Boards of Dental Examiners communicates with all licensed dentists as D.D.S., even if they originally graduated with a D.M.D. or other similar dental degree. Some D.D.S. dentists object to D.M.D. dentists using D.D.S., mostly out of a desire to cut down on competition.""

The scope of practice between DMD and DDS is EXACTLY the same.

The training DMD and DDS obtain allow them both to be LEGALLY equal when it comes to providing oral health.

When you add the 2 statements together, you get DMD = DDS (legally, ethically, and competency wise)

 

[armorshell]

You should think of getting a dual degree and picking up a DMD as well to supplement your DDS. Just in case.

There are actaully a few DMD, DDS out there.

Some overseas school (University of the East) award DMD degrees, and when graduates travel to the US they have to do and IDS/IDP program to recertify, and some of those award a DDS.

 

[Maygyver]

There are actaully a few DMD, DDS out there.

Some overseas school (University of the East) award DMD degrees, and when graduates travel to the US they have to do and IDS/IDP program to recertify, and some of those award a DDS.

Ha, I never knew that. Double dentists.

 

[lemoncurry]

what if they do an IDP program at a DMD school? Does that make them Dr. Rosenberg, DMD, DMD?

 

[Lilliput]

I grew up in Florida, and I never even NOTICED the initials that came after my dentists' names until I went onto SDN and saw a DMD vs DDS thread a year or so ago. I always just looked for the word "dentist" or "dentistry."

 

[Nymphicus]

I grew up in Florida, and I never even NOTICED the initials that came after my dentists' names until I went onto SDN and saw a DMD vs DDS thread a year or so ago. I always just looked for the word "dentist" or "dentistry."

As do most people in the United States

 

[txlonghorn]

Ha, I never knew that. Double dentists.

Actually, they cancel out. The foreign trained dentist is then known as a periodontist. jk. lol

 

[setdoc7]

Ludacris**

cool👍

 

[ChubbyBaby]

In my hometown of Akron, OH, I'd say around 90% of the dentists are DDS. That is because we are within close proximity to OSU and Case (awarded DDS until about a decade ago). So of course people here are going to associate a dentist more with a DDS degree.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10612944

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.

 

[armorshell]

Ever looked at the actual questions they asked in those surveys? They're practically spring loaded to generate the answer they wanted.

 

[JonNCSU08]

I can understand why someone would think DMD had more training, but the reasons can all be completely different. When I was younger I thought a DMD was a different type of dentists because, as stated earlier, in my surrounding area there were more DDS dentists. I honestly believe people do NOT know the difference, but I also do NOT think it sways their decisions when deciding what dentists to choose. Most go with whatever is on the dental plan, closest to home, or family friend.

I am deciding b/w two schools, one with a DDS, and one with a DMD, and I definitely will not let that be any bit of a deciding factor when I make my decision.

 

[ChubbyBaby]

Ever looked at the actual questions they asked in those surveys? They're practically spring loaded to generate the answer they wanted.

No, I haven't seen the paper, and can't access it from my school. Must be a junky journal. Anway, I'm not trying to argue DMD is better than DDS. Just interesting to find the highest level-of-evidence on the matter, that's all. It would be interesting if they asked a question like: all other things being equal, if you had a toothache, would you visit Dr. John Smith DDS or Dr John Smith DMD?

 

[lemoncurry]

The study is also from 1999.