Dental Medicine (D.M.D., D.D.S.)

According to the ADA, “The D.D.S (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and D.M.D (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. The difference is a matter of semantics. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree. The education and degrees are the same.

Why Consider a Dental Career?

(source: ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools)

• The dental profession offers a wide range of clinical practice, research, and academic opportunities.
• The entire dental profession is at the head of important new research substantiating the relationship between oral health and systemic.
• Dentists are generally able to enter practice upon completion of the four years of dental school.
• The lifestyle of a private practice dentist is generally predictable and self-determined.
• The average net income for dentists has doubled in the last decade and is in the highest 5% of U.S. family incomes.
• Dentistry is not generally subject to the effects of managed care and reductions in federal funding that have affected other health care professions.

The following resources are available to help you plan your future application to dental medical school.

• Career Options
• Application Timeline
• Curriculum
• Get Involved
• Application Resources and Materials