Dental (DDS/DMD)
According to the ADA, “The D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. The difference is a matter of semantics. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree. For further information, visit ADEA GoDental and the American Student Dental Association.
The dental profession offers a wide range of clinical practice; private, hospital, research, public and international health, and academic opportunities.
- The entire dental profession is at the head of important new research substantiating the relationship between oral and systemic health.
- Dentists are generally able to enter practice upon completion of the four years of dental school.
- Dentistry is not generally subject to the effects of managed care and reductions in federal funding that have affected other health care professions.
(source: ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools)
There are some basic requirements for admission to most U.S. & Canadian dental schools and it is important you investigate the individual prerequisites for each school to which you apply.
đź“ť All U.S. and Canadian dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). This computerized test measures general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information and perceptual ability. Completion of at least one year of college level courses in biology and general and organic chemistry is recommended before taking the DAT.
- Beginning in 2025, the DAT Exam will have a new scoring system. Read more on this document.
