Dentistry

(DDS/DMD)

Overview:

Dentistry is the branch of medicine dedicated to the study, prevention, diagnosis, & treatment of conditions & diseases pertaining to the oral cavity. It’s a unique intersection of both science & art, through a wide range of specialties each focused on addressing specific oral health needs. Some specialties include Dental Anesthesiologist, Oral Pathologist, Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, Endodontist, Dental Public Health, & more.

Baltimore College of Dental Surgery

Harvard School of Dentistry

History of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) & Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD):

In 1840, the first Dental School in the United States was established in Baltimore, known as the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery. Prior to it's creation, Dentistry was not recognized as a branch of medicine but as a trade or craft performed by non-medical professionals. As the first Dental School, Baltimore College of Dental Surgery became a foundational & innovative college which accredited Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees (DDS). In 1867, Harvard University founded Harvard School of Dentistry, & decided Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) reflected dentistry as a branch of medicine.

Differences between Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) & Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD):

Although Doctor of Dental Surgery & Doctor of Dental Medicine might seem different, there are no differences in terms of Dental school education. There are no limits or exceptions among either degrees.

General pathway Into Dentistry:

To become a general dentist or any of the specialized dental specialties, the path begins in Undergraduate University. During this time before applying to Dental School, you'll need to have taken the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and all the required courses.

*You do NOT need to be a STEM major to get into Dental School, but you NEED to take the required courses to be valid for admission.

After finishing 4 years of university at a United States accredited undergraduate program, you'll do 4 more years of graduate school at a Dental School, and during that time take board exams to successfully be a general dentist. If you decide you want to continue with a specialty, you apply for residency & the length for that specialty varies depending on that specialty. If specializing isn't something you would like to do, you can practice general dentistry without the need of any residency!

Dental Specialties:

Dental Public Health

Focuses on improving oral health at the community level. Emphasizing education, research, & organized programs to improve access & delivery of oral health care. Residency is offered as a 1 year or 2 year program of extensive training.

Orofacial pain

Focuses on treating any areas of discomfort in patient's mouth, jaws, or face. Residency is offered as a 1 year or 2 year program of extensive training.

Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology

Focus on imaging & diagnosis of diseases affecting oral cavity, jaws, face & neck. Residency is offered as a 2 year program of extensive training.

Pediatric Dentistry

Focuses on the overall oral health of infants, children & teenagers. Provides preventive care, treatments & guidance. Residency is offered as a 2 year program of extensive training.

Endodontics

Focuses on the diagnoses & treatment of problems inside the tooth (pulp & root canals). Residency is offered as a 2 year or 3 year program of extensive training.

Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology

Focuses on the diagnosing diseases (ex. cancer) in the oral cavity, jaws, & facial tissues through examination of biopsies using complex methods. Residency is offered as a 3 year program of extensive training.

Orthodontics

Focuses on the diagnosing, preventing & correcting misalignment of teeth, jaws through the use of many different techniques & methods including braces, Invisalign, or corrective devices. Residency is offered as a 2 year or 3 year program of extensive training.

Oral Medicine

A non-surgical specialty that focuses on diagnosis & management of complex oral & facial conditions. Residency is offered as a 2 year or 3 year program of extensive training.

Dental Anesthesiology

Focuses on providing advanced pain control & sedation for dental & oral procedures. Residency is offered as a 3 year program of extensive training.

Prosthodontics

Focuses on restoring or replacing missing or damaged teeth through a variety of techniques. Residency is offered as a 3 year program of extensive training.

Periodontics

Focuses on preventing, diagnosing & treating gum diseases. Emphasizing on gum health improvement. Residency is offered as a 3 year program of extensive training.

Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

Many OMF surgeons also have an MD/DO degree enabling them to perform a variety of complex procedures. They focus on diagnosing & treating any diseases affecting the oral cavity, jaws, face, & neck. Some procedures include corrective jaw surgery, tumor removal, reconstructive surgery, & more. Residency is offered in a 4 year program with no MD, or 6 year program with an MD degree.

Common Prerequisites:

1 year Biology w/ Lab
1 year Chemistry w/ Lab
1 year Organic Chemistry w/ Lab
1 year Physics w/ Lab
1 quarter Biochemistry (no lab required)
1 year English composition

Additional courses that some Dental Schools Require/Recommend:

1 year Calculus
Anatomy
Physiology
Microbiology

Common extracurricular Activities of Admitted Students:

Research
Volunteering (Doesn't have to be Dental Related)
Being a part of a club
Attending Dental Conferences
Some form of leadership activities
Internships
Shadowing (100-200 hrs)
Pre-Dental Events at Dental Schools
Hobbies

Application Process Timeline:

Additional Helpful Resources:

2024 Dental School Statistics Spreadsheet of All Dental Schools in United States:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-KThKh8qTXuwlo8z34_dLDJ08yYj9Ev89SXy1porKYY/edit?usp=sharing

How to ask to shadow a Dentist:

https://www.adea.org/godental/shadowing-request

Dental Assisting Information on Certifications & Pathways:

https://www.dbc.ca.gov/applicants/become_licensed_rda.shtml

Follow Dental Schools on Instagram to be kept up with opportunities to apply for internships, shadowing, Signing up for Impression Days, & more!

Sources:

Giddon, D. B., & Lamster, I. B. (2022). The dilemma of different dental degrees: DDS and DMD. Journal of dental education, 86(8), 998–1005. https://doi.org/10.1002/jdd.12921

California Dental Association. (n.d.). Dental specialties. California Dental Association.

https://www.cda.org/public-health/careers-in-oral-health/dental-specialties/

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