When it comes time to find a new dentist, you will look at a number of different factors before making a decision. From where your prospective dentist went to school to how long they have been in business to the kinds of services they offer, you have a lot of things to think about.
As you shop for a new dental professional, you will probably notice some common groups of letters after their names. But what do those DDS and DMD designations mean, and how can you use them to find the best dental care for you and your family? Here is a quick rundown of the differences between a DDS and a DMD.
Know The Designations
You will be relieved to know that both the DDS and the DMD designations mean that the dentist you are looking at has graduated from an accredited dental school. You can rest assured that your new dentist holds the requisite qualifications to fill your cavities and build your dental bridge, no matter which set of letters appears after his or her name.
Full Form Of DDS & DMD
In fact, the DDS degree, short for Doctor of Dental Surgery, and the DMD designation, which stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine, actually represent the same educational degree.
Education & Training
Whether they have a DDS or a DMD after their name, the dentist you are looking at will have attained the same level of education. It is the individual universities who decide which degree to give, hence the differences between the DDS and DMD designations.
It is also comforting to know that dentists undergo basically the same level of clinical training and classroom education as their medical school equivalents. Your dentist will have completed three or more years of undergraduate classroom education, followed by a full four years of dental school. Those four years of dental school are a requirement of graduation, regardless of whether the DDS or DMD degree is ultimately awarded.
Exams To Keep Doctors Up To Date In Industry
In addition to their extensive years of training and education, dentists must pass a rigorous national exam to demonstrate their expertise. In addition to those national requirements, dentists must also pass an extensive state or regional exam to gain their clinical license. After that, they must meet stringent continuing education requirements, designed to ensure they are keeping up with the latest changes in the dental industry.
It does not matter if the dentist you choose holds a DDS or DMD designation. Both degrees indicate the same high level of education, training and expertise. Since both degrees are essentially the same, you can focus on other factors, like specialty training, services offered and the nature of the practice.
At Royal Lakes Dental (royallakesdental.com), you can rest assured that all of the dentists in our practice are consummate professionals, and that they have the training, experience and expertise to care for your teeth. Our caring and compassionate staff is always here to help, and we look forward to your visit.