Short Description
A professional dental degree awarded to graduates who complete accredited training to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral diseases.
Long Description
DDS, or Doctor of Dental Surgery, is a professional degree awarded to individuals who have completed dental school and met the necessary requirements to practice dentistry. It signifies that the dentist is trained in diagnosing and treating oral conditions, performing restorative procedures, and promoting oral health.
The DDS curriculum includes education in anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, and hands-on clinical experience. Dentists with this degree can perform a range of treatments, including fillings, crowns, extractions, and root canals. Some may specialize in fields such as orthodontics, periodontics, or endodontics with additional training.
In the U.S., DDS and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degrees are equivalent, with the difference being only in the title granted by the dental school. Regardless of the title, all dentists must pass licensing exams and adhere to continuing education requirements to maintain their ability to practice.