{"id":46053,"date":"2017-08-16T10:51:02","date_gmt":"2017-08-16T17:51:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.emergencydentistsusa.com\/?p=46053"},"modified":"2019-05-07T10:26:12","modified_gmt":"2019-05-07T17:26:12","slug":"what-is-a-dmd-dentistry-101","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.emergencydentistsusa.com\/what-is-a-dmd-dentistry-101\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a DMD? – Dentistry 101"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"what<\/p>\n

If you ask someone what a DMD is, what answer would they give you? Do you even know what a DMD is, and how they differ from a DDS? If you have no knowledge whatsoever, fear not, we\u2019re here to help you understand all of it.<\/p>\n

If you are currently in need of a dentist, whether it\u2019s an emergency or not, you can use our 24\/7 dentist hotline<\/a> to get immediate help. Our hotline is free, offers fast service and is easy to use.<\/p>\n

What is a DMD?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve seen your dentist\u2019s full name anywhere in his or her office, you\u2019ve probably seen DMD follow it on any professional identification or document. DMD stands for \u201cDoctor of Dental Medicine\u201d<\/strong> or \u201cDoctor of Medicine in Dentistry\u201d<\/strong>, which is an academic degree that is awarded to those who have fully completed their training in dental programs.<\/p>\n

What Does a DMD Do?<\/h2>\n

\"what<\/p>\n

Because a DMD is what\u2019s known as a \u201cgeneral dentist\u201d, they are trained to perform preventative, cosmetic, and even restorative dental procedures. This includes something as simple as a regular cleaning of the teeth to more extensive procedures, such as veneers or dental implants.<\/p>\n

However, if your DMD is unable to perform a specific dental procedure because it\u2019s something that is out of their expertise, you will most likely be referred to a dental specialist, instead.<\/p>\n

Listed below are some of the most common dental procedures and services that are within the expertise of a DMD:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\uf06c Dental exams and checkups
\n\uf06c Ultrasonic cleanings
\n\uf06c Screenings for oral cancer
\n\uf06c Dental x-rays
\n\uf06c Dental inlays and onlays
\n\uf06c Dental crowns
\n\uf06c Tooth fillings, both composite and amalgam
\n\uf06c Dental implants
\n\uf06c Full and\/or partial dentures
\n\uf06c Dental bridges
\n\uf06c Endodontic treatments, such as root canal therapy
\n\uf06c Treatments for gum disease
\n\uf06c Oral surgery, such as tooth extractions
\n\uf06c Veneers
\n\uf06c Dental bondings
\n\uf06c Enamel shaping
\n\uf06c Whitening of the teeth<\/p>\n

Anything that is outside of these procedures and treatments are usually outside of a general dentist\u2019s expertise, so you will likely be referred elsewhere.<\/p>\n

How Does Someone Become a DMD?<\/h3>\n

Multiple universities in the United States offer a pre-doctoral program that is completed over the span of 4 years. This program combines clinical training with academic education to ensure that students are well prepared for the field of dentistry.<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

The DMD program gives students the intensive experience, while being a rewarding one, that the field of dentistry brings. A lot of these students are receiving their necessary training in the best facilities in the nation that simulate real situations that they will more than likely face in the future.<\/p>\n

This allows them to practice and master the skills that are going to be needed when they work in a real practice. <\/p>\n

What\u2019s more, they also receive an education in research projects and the basic sciences that are an extremely important part of both the DMD program and real dentistry. <\/p>\n

In the end, every student in the DMD program is required to undergo the National Board Dental Examinations for the purpose of gaining their state licensing that is needed to legally practice in the field of dentistry.<\/p>\n

What is a DDS?<\/h3>\n

Chances are you\u2019ve also seen the term DDS and are wondering what it is, what it has to do with dentistry, and what the differences are when compared to a DMD. <\/p>\n

In truth, DDS and DMD are the same thing! DDS is short for \u201cDoctor of Dental Surgery\u201d, which is different from what DMD stands for, but they are both students who have the same amount of education in the field of dentistry. <\/p>\n

What is the Difference Between a DMD and a DDS?<\/h3>\n

\"difference<\/p>\n

Though we just told you that they are virtually the same thing, there is one major difference, however:<\/p>\n

While both a DMD and a DDS have the same level of education, the awarded degree that they receive after their training has completed is completely up to the university where their education took place.<\/p>\n

This may not make sense to a lot of people, especially because the same requirements for the curriculum are used each time, but that\u2019s how it is.<\/p>\n

How Does Someone Become a Dentist?<\/h3>\n

Becoming a dentist of any field or degree is quite a long haul, but it\u2019s definitely worth it in the end.<\/p>\n

It starts with 3 to 4 years of undergraduate education, followed by an additional 4 years education at a dental school in order to graduate and become a dentist. Once the general training and education processes are completed, students then have to take the national exam, a regional and\/or state clinical licensing exam, and then they\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\n

\"how<\/p>\n

Although, if a dentist wants to keep his or her license, they will need to continuously meet educational requirements for the rest of their careers. This means that they must keep up to date with all of the latest clinical and scientific developments that relate to the field of dentistry.<\/p>\n

If a student wants to be something other than a general dentist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist, maxillofacial or oral surgeon, or a dental specialist, however, they will need to undergo additional post-graduate training and education further.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to know that within the United States and Puerto Rico alone, there are a total of 58 dental schools to date. Approximately 36 of these dental schools give out DDS degrees while an estimated 22 dental schools give out DMD degrees.<\/p>\n

\"Andrew<\/div>
\r\n\u201cDental schools in the United States all teach the same curriculum and are all accredited by the same governing body. Therefore, there is literally no difference between a DMD and DDS, except for the name of the degree they were awarded, which purely a stylistic choice made by the dental school.\u201d\r\n