Doctor of dental medicine

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) is a professional degree awarded to individuals who have completed a course of study in the field of dentistry. The DMD degree is equivalent to the more commonly known Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Both degrees allow the holder to practice general dentistry.

History

The DMD degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century. The university wanted to emphasize that dentists are just as important as medical doctors, hence the use of the term "Doctor" in the degree title.

Education and Training

To earn a DMD degree, students must complete a rigorous course of study that typically takes four years. This includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, and pathology, as well as specific areas of dentistry such as prosthodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics.

Licensing and Practice

After earning a DMD degree, dentists must pass a licensing examination in order to practice. In the United States, this typically involves both a written exam and a clinical exam. Once licensed, a DMD can provide a wide range of dental services, from routine cleanings and fillings to more complex procedures such as root canals and dental implants.

See Also

• Dentistry
• Doctor of Dental Surgery
• Dental education
• Dental specialties

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