Dentist Specialty Definition and Explainations
Dental
Public Health: Endodontics: Oral
and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral
and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral
and Maxillofacial Surgery: Orthodontics
and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Pediatric
Dentistry: Periodontics: Prosthodontics:
DDS -
Doctor of Dental Surgery Indicates 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 American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation. Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is 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.
Approved by the Council on Dental Education and Licensure, American Dental Association |