DDS/DMD: What is the difference?

When looking for a dentist you might notice that behind their name is either a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine)

Many people wonder what the difference is between the two. The only difference is the name.

These abbreviations represent different degrees from different dental schools. D.D.S and D.M.D have exactly the same education and have to pass all the same tests which include:

• National Board Dental Examinations... Part 1 and 2
• Regional or state dental board examination
• State ethics exam