What Degree Do Dentists Have? Unpacking the Path to a Dental Career

Do you ever wonder what kind of degree you need to be a dentist? If you’re dreaming about helping people have healthy smiles, or you’re just curious about what happens behind the dentist’s door, this is the guide for you. Here, I’ll walk you through every step—from the first day of college to putting “Dr.” in front of your name. Whether you want to become a dentist, know more about dental professionals, or understand what makes this pathway so challenging and rewarding, you’re in the right spot. Ready to dive in?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: What Degree Do Dentists Have?

When you go to the dentist’s office, you might see the letters DDS or DMD after the dentist’s name. So, what do these letters mean? Dentists in the U.S. have two main degrees: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD). Both show that a dentist finished the hardest level of dental school and can take care of people’s teeth and mouths.

People want a quick answer. Here you go: To be a dentist in the United States, you need either a DDS or DMD degree. That’s what lets you become a dentist.

You might ask, does it matter which one a dentist has? The short answer is no. DDS and DMD come from the same kind of schooling. The only real difference is the name. I’ll explain why this is in the next part.

2. What’s the Difference Between DDS and DMD?

Let’s make this clear. Lots of people wonder, “Is DDS better than DMD?” or think DMD sounds cooler.

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) was the first dentist degree, way back in 1840. When Harvard made its own dental school, it wanted to use Latin, so it called the degree Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD). That’s it—two names, same study, same skills. Nothing else is different.

Both DDS and DMD dentists take the same classes, get the same training, and must pass the same final tests. They do fillings, fix broken teeth, and check for cavities just the same.

So when you see a DDS or DMD on the wall, you can relax—both dentists are ready to help your teeth!

3. How Do You Start Your Journey to Dental School?

Becoming a dentist starts long before your first real patient. You need a good science background—kind of like laying down the bricks for a house.

Pre-Dental Education

You will need:

• A bachelor’s degree. Most people spend four years at college for this.
• Important classes. All dental schools want to see that you’ve taken biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, math, and sometimes psychology or anatomy.
• Good grades. Dental schools like students with strong grades, especially in science classes.
• Any major. Most people pick biology or chemistry, but you can pick any major as long as you take the required classes.
• Things outside class. Volunteering, shadowing dentists, or joining health groups can help a lot.

The Dental Admission Test (DAT)

Before dental school, you need to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This test checks what you know in science and if you can solve problems. It’s not easy, but with practice, you can pass.

If you like learning by doing, try shadowing a dentist or visiting a cool dental lab to see how the job really is.

4. What Is Dental School Like?

Once you finish college and pass the DAT, it’s time for dental school. This is where things really get interesting!

The Dental School Curriculum

Dental school takes four more years. At first, you take lots of classes—anatomy, oral biology, and biochemistry. You also work with your hands on fake teeth and learn to use dental tools.

In your last two years, you start to see real patients with help from teachers. You’ll spend time in clinics, taking X-rays, cleaning teeth, making crowns, and helping both kids and adults.

Your dental school has to be approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). This makes sure you get the right training.

Many schools have high-tech labs, like dental ceramics labs, zirconia labs, or even 3d dental labs, where you learn about new dental tools and methods.

5. How Do You Become a Licensed Dentist?

Even after dental school, you’re not all done. You have a few more steps to go!

Passing the Right Tests

Every dentist needs to pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) or, if you finished school before 2022, the older NBDE test. These cover all the science and patient skills you learned.

After that, you do a hands-on test. You have to show you can do fillings, cleanings, and take care of patients.

Each state has its own rules for dentists, so you’ll need to take a test about local laws, too.

Keep on Learning

Once you’re a working dentist, you keep learning new things with courses each year. This keeps you sharp and up to date with what’s new in dental care.

6. Why Should You Consider Dental Specialties?

You might want to keep learning after you get your DDS or DMD. Good news! Dentistry has lots of special areas—these let you focus on something you like a lot.

Types of Dental Specialties

• Orthodontics: Straighten teeth and put on braces.
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Take out wisdom teeth, fix jaw bones.
• Endodontics: Save teeth with root canal work.
• Periodontics: Help your gums and bones stay healthy.
• Prosthodontics: Make crowns, dentures, or put in implants.
• Pediatric Dentistry: Make sure children’s teeth are healthy!
• Dental Public Health: Help whole groups of people have healthy teeth.
• Oral Pathology or Radiology: Study mouth diseases or read X-rays.

Specialties mean even more school—some need up to 2 to 6 more years of special classes and practice. Some surgeons even get an MD, too!

Dentists who want to get really good at certain jobs often work with top labs like an implant dental laboratory to use the newest tools for their patients.

7. What Other Degrees Exist in Dentistry?

Some dentists want to teach, do research, or develop better dental products.

Advanced Degrees

A dentist might get:

• Master’s (MS) or PhD degree in dental sciences. These are for research or teaching.
• Double degrees, like DDS/PhD, if you want to treat patients and also do science.

Other important careers in dental offices:

• Dental hygienists, who clean teeth. They need a 2- or 4-year degree.
• Dental assistants, who help the dentist with daily work.

You’ll also find dental techs in places like a china dental lab making crowns and models for dentists.

8. Are Dentists Really “Doctors?”

People ask this a lot! Dentists are doctors—they aren’t medical doctors (MD), but they train for years to look after your teeth and mouth, which is super important.

They find and treat mouth problems, and sometimes see signs of other health problems before anyone else does. Dental visits aren’t just about shiny teeth—they help keep you healthy all over.

9. What Are the Hardest Parts of Becoming a Dentist?

Truth time—becoming a dentist isn’t easy. Most students say these are the hardest parts:

• Lots of science classes: You study a lot in college and dental school, especially in classes like organic chemistry.
• Learning hands-on skills: Some things you can’t learn just from books. Practicing on people is both fun and nerve-racking.
• Money: Dental school costs a lot. Most students finish with big loans, and even more if you keep studying.

But here’s the bright side: Dentists have one of the best, most respected jobs, with good pay and a nice balance between work and life.

If you want to know what a dental student’s life is like, check out patient dental stories.

10. Should You Start Your Dental Journey?

Here’s what you need if you want to try this career. Like anything that’s worth it, it can be hard, but you can do it. If you care about science, are good with your hands, and want to help people smile, dentistry could be right for you.

Patients need smart, kind, and careful dentists. That’s why becoming a dentist takes work. But when you finish, you’ll have skills you can use to help people every day.

If you’re thinking about special areas, picture working with a world-class crown and bridge lab, using the coolest tools to fix people’s teeth.

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What’s the difference between a DDS and DMD?

A: There’s no real difference. Both mean the person finished dental school and all their tests. It just depends on the school.

Q: How long does it take to become a dentist?

A: Usually, 8 years—four for college, four for dental school. It’s longer (up to 12 years) if you want to specialize.

Q: Do you need a certain bachelor’s degree?

A: Not really. Most people pick science (biology, chemistry), but any major works if you take the right classes.

Q: Can you specialize after dental school?

A: Yes! With more school (residency), you can become an orthodontist, oral surgeon, or other dental expert.

Q: What’s the hardest part about dental school?

A: Most students say it’s tough classes and learning tricky hands-on skills.

12. Key Takeaways: What to Remember

• To be a dentist in the U.S., you need a DDS or DMD degree—they mean the same thing.
• Start with college, then dental school, and then pass the right tests.
• You can keep going with specialties if you want.
• Dentists are doctors and important for your health.
• Dental school is tough, but the job is respected and rewarding.
• Want to know about the tech dentists use? Look into a china dental lab for a behind-the-scenes peek.
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions or get help—and keep dreaming big!

Quick Summary Table

Reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS, Board-Certified General Dentist.

Go after your dreams, take your first step, and keep smiling! There are always more ways to learn about being a dentist, so reach out and find your path.