If you’ve ever wondered about the letters after a dentist’s name, you’re not alone! Both DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) are professional degrees that indicate a dentist has completed the rigorous education and training required to practice dentistry.
Despite the different abbreviations, there is no difference in the education, skills, or services provided by a DMD versus a DDS. Both degrees require four years of dental school after completing an undergraduate program, along with hands-on clinical training in areas like oral health, preventive care, restorative dentistry, and surgical procedures.
The distinction in the degree title comes from the historical preferences of the dental schools that award them. Some schools, including many in the United States, choose DMD, while others use DDS.
In practical terms, whether your dentist has a DMD or DDS does not affect the quality of care you receive. What matters most is their experience, patient approach, and commitment to helping you maintain a healthy, confident smile.
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If you’re looking for a local family dentist, the team at Twickenham Family Dentistry in Huntsville, AL, provides expert care with a focus on comfort and long-term oral health.