DDS vs DMD? A North Hollywood Dentist Explains
When you search for a dentist in North Hollywood, you will see credentials after every name, DDS or DMD.
If you have ever wondered what the difference between a DDS and a DMD actually is, you are not alone.
It is one of the most commonly asked questions patients have about their dentist’s qualifications, and the answer is simpler than you might expect.
At A-Dental Center, we believe informed patients make better decisions about their care.
This guide explains what both degrees mean, how they differ, and what credentials actually matter most when choosing a dentist in North Hollywood.
What Does DDS Stand For?
Doctor of Dental Surgery
DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. It is one of two equivalent doctoral degrees awarded by dental schools in the United States.
The DDS degree has been in use since the 19th century and remains the more commonly seen credential among dentists practicing in California.
A dentist with a DDS degree has completed a four-year dental school program following undergraduate education, covering dental anatomy, oral pathology, radiology, periodontology, restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and clinical training treating real patients.
What Does DMD Stand For?
Doctor of Dental Medicine
DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine, also called Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at some institutions.
It is the other of the two equivalent doctoral degrees awarded by accredited dental schools in the United States.
The curriculum for a DMD degree covers the same material as a DDS program.
The clinical training requirements are identical.
The board examinations required for licensure are identical.
The only difference between DDS and DMD is the name chosen by each dental school to describe its degree, a historical distinction with no clinical significance.
According to the American Dental Association, DDS and DMD are equivalent degrees.
Both require the same educational preparation, the same clinical training, and the same licensure examinations.
Neither is superior to the other in any clinical or academic sense.
DDS vs. DMD in North Hollywood: Does It Matter Which Your Dentist Has?
The Honest Answer
No. When choosing between a DDS vs. DMD dentist in North Hollywood, the degree type is irrelevant to the quality of care you will receive.
A dentist with a DMD is not more or less qualified than a dentist with a DDS.
The decision simply reflects which school they attended.
What Actually Matters When Choosing a Dentist
If DDS vs. DMD does not matter, what does?
Several factors meaningfully distinguish dentists in terms of the quality of care they provide.
Clinical Experience and Continuing Education
Dental school provides foundational training.
The years of practice following graduation and the continuing education pursued during that time determine the level of expertise a dentist brings to complex clinical situations.
A dentist with 25 years of experience treating implants, veneers, and full mouth reconstruction has knowledge that no degree abbreviation can convey.
Our post on how to find the best dentist in North Hollywood explains exactly what factors meaningfully distinguish dental practices and how to evaluate them before booking your first appointment.
Technology and Materials
The technology and materials a practice invests in directly affect diagnosis accuracy and treatment outcomes.
Digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, CEREC same-day crown technology, and advanced implant systems produce better results than outdated equipment, meaningfully, regardless of the dentist’s degree type.
Patient Communication
A dentist who listens, explains findings clearly, involves patients in treatment decisions, and respects their questions and concerns produces better outcomes than one who rushes through appointments regardless of credentials.
Our post on dental anxiety in North Hollywood explains how communication style directly affects patient experience and long-term dental health behaviors.
Long-Term Continuity
Choosing a dentist you see consistently over the years, one who builds a complete picture of your dental history, identifies hereditary patterns, and knows your individual risk factors, produces better outcomes than switching providers frequently.
Our post on family dentists in North Hollywood explains the long-term benefits of this continuity in detail.
Additional Credentials That Do Matter
Specialty Training
While DDS vs. DMD does not matter, additional specialty training beyond dental school does.
Dentists who have completed additional residency programs in oral surgery, periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, or prosthodontics bring genuinely advanced expertise in those specific areas.
For general dental care, including cleanings, fillings, crowns, veneers, implants, and Invisalign, an experienced general dentist with a DDS or DMD is fully appropriate.
Our post on orthodontist vs. dentist for Invisalign in North Hollywood explains when specialist referral adds genuine value versus when a well-trained general dentist delivers equivalent results.
State Licensure
All dentists practicing in California, regardless of whether they hold a DDS or DMD, must pass the National Board Dental Examinations and the California Dental Board licensing requirements.
Licensure verification is publicly available through the California Dental Board.
Implant Certification
Dental implants are not a dental school specialty; additional training and certification matter significantly for implant cases.
Our post on dental implants in North Hollywood cost explains what to look for when evaluating an implant provider beyond the degree letters after their name.
About A-Dental Center’s Credentials in North Hollywood
A-Dental Center has provided comprehensive dental care in North Hollywood since 1998.
Our team holds advanced training across cosmetic dentistry, implantology, and restorative procedures with ongoing continuing education to stay current with advances in materials, technology, and clinical technique.
For a full overview of what dental treatment costs at our practice, read our post on how much a dentist costs in North Hollywood.
The Mayo Clinic confirms that the patient-dentist relationship built on trust, experience, and clear communication is one of the most significant predictors of positive long-term oral health outcomes, more significant than any specific credential.
The American Academy of General Dentistry notes that ongoing continuing education beyond dental school is the most meaningful differentiator of clinical expertise among practicing dentists.
Book Your Appointment at A-Dental Center in North Hollywood
Call (818) 593-0700 or book online today.
We look forward to meeting you.
