Definition

1. Noun:
   • A doctoral degree in dental medicine: "DMD" is an abbreviation for "Doctor of Dental Medicine," a professional doctoral degree for dentists in the United States and some other countries. It is equivalent to the DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She earned her DMD from a prestigious university. (She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from a prestigious university.)
  • To practice, a dentist must hold either a DMD or a DDS. (To practice, a dentist must hold either a Doctor of Dental Medicine or a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.)

Advanced Usage

• As a title: The abbreviation "DMD" is often used as a professional title following a dentist's name.
  • Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Chen, DMD. (Please schedule an appointment with Doctor Chen, who holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.)

Variants and Related Words

• DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery): A professional doctoral degree for dentists, equivalent in scope and practice to the DMD.
  • The curriculum for a DDS is identical to that for a DMD.
• Dentist: A person who is qualified to treat diseases and conditions that affect the teeth and gums, typically holding a DMD or DDS.

Synonyms

• Doctor of Dental Medicine: The full form of the abbreviation DMD.
• Dental degree: A general term for a professional degree in dentistry.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "DMD" refers specifically to the academic and professional degree itself. It is not used to describe the act of practicing dentistry. The distinction between DMD and DDS is primarily historical and nominal; the degrees represent identical educational and licensing standards.

Noun

1. a doctor's degree in dental medicine