DDS-_-Doctor of Dental Surgery
DMD---Doctor of Dental Medicine
Indicates the degree awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a general dentist. There is essentially no difference between the two degrees; dentists who have a DMD or DDS have similar education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees follow the same curriculum requirements set by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation albeit with some minute distinctions. Schools that award the DMD degree typically offer more medical school type training rather than dental school specific courses in addition to all the dental required cirriculum. Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. State licensing boards accept either degree as equivalent, and both degrees allow licensed individuals to practice the same scope of general dentistry. While there is currently not a requirement for dentist to continue their fromal education after graduating from dental school, there is a movement in some states to require one year of post graudate education in general dentistry. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, endodontist, pedodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
