Doctor of Dental Surgery

Overview

The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) is a professional doctoral degree awarded to individuals who have completed a recognized program of study in dentistry. It is one of the two primary degrees (alongside the DMD) that qualifies a person to practice as a general dentist in the United States, Canada, and several other jurisdictions.

While the titles differ in name, the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) treat the DDS and DMD as academically and clinically equivalent.

History and Nomenclature

The DDS is the older of the two titles, first awarded by the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1840—the world's first dental school.

The alternative title, Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD), was created in 1867 by Harvard University. Harvard, which traditionally granted degrees in Latin, translated "Doctor of Dental Surgery" into Chirurgae Dentium Doctor, but found it linguistically awkward. They instead opted for Dentariae Medicinae Doctor (DMD). Since then, universities have chosen between the two based on institutional tradition.

Educational Requirements

In North America, obtaining a DDS typically requires a minimum of eight years of post-secondary education:

1. Undergraduate Preparation

Completion of a Bachelor's degree with a heavy emphasis on science (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Biochemistry).
Achievement of a competitive score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT).

2. Dental School Curriculum

Years 1–2 (Pre-clinical): Intensive study of biomedical sciences (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, and Pharmacology) and "simulation lab" training in operative dentistry.
Years 3–4 (Clinical): Direct patient care under faculty supervision in a dental clinic, rotating through specialties such as Endodontics, Periodontology, and Oral Surgery.

Licensure and Practice

Earning a DDS degree is the academic requirement for licensure, but it does not automatically grant the right to practice. Candidates must also pass:

Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE): A comprehensive written exam covering clinical and basic sciences.
Regional Clinical Exams: Hands-on exams (e.g., ADEX, WREB) involving procedures on manikins or live patients.
Jurisprudence Exam: A test of the specific dental laws in the practitioner's state or province.

Specialization

Upon receiving a DDS, a dentist may practice as a general practitioner or apply for a residency to specialize in one of the twelve recognized dental specialties, such as Orthodontics or Prosthodontics. These programs typically lead to a Master of Science (MS) or a Certificate of Specialty Training.