Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

These designations indicate the degree awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a general dentist. There is no difference between the two degrees; dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. Universities have the prerogative to determine what degree is awarded. Both degrees use the same curriculum requirements set by the U.S. Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education and four years of dental school are 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.

Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist such as an orthodontist, periodontist, or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.