The answer to whether a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) is an Oral Surgeon is generally no, though the degrees are related. A DDS is a foundational degree in dentistry, allowing a practitioner to address a wide range of oral health issues. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) is a specialized field requiring significant additional training beyond dental school. While all Oral Surgeons must first earn a DDS or equivalent degree, the degree itself does not confer the title or qualifications of a specialist.
Understanding the DDS and DMD Degrees
The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and the equivalent DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the two academic degrees conferred upon graduates of accredited dental schools in the United States. The distinction between these titles is purely a matter of historical preference maintained by the university, as they represent the exact same education and clinical training required for a license to practice general dentistry.
Both DDS and DMD programs require four years of post-graduate education following a bachelor’s degree, including comprehensive studies in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical practice. A general dentist is the primary care provider for oral health, focusing on diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of common dental diseases. Their scope of practice encompasses routine preventative care, such as cleanings and exams, and restorative procedures like fillings, crowns, and simple tooth extractions.
General dentists maintain the overall health of the mouth, teeth, and gums. They are trained to perform minor surgical procedures, such as uncomplicated tooth removals, but they typically refer patients needing complex surgical interventions to specialists. The equivalence of the DDS and DMD degrees ensures all general practitioners meet a standardized level of competency for comprehensive dental care.
Defining the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) is the recognized surgical specialty of dentistry. It focuses on the diagnosis, surgical, and supportive treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects involving the hard and soft tissues of the entire oral and maxillofacial region. This specialization extends beyond the teeth to include the jaws, face, skull, and neck. OMS practitioners are often considered the bridge between dentistry and medicine, reflected in their expansive training.
The scope of an OMS’s practice is broad and surgical, encompassing complex procedures not typically performed by a general dentist. Common services include:
- Removal of impacted wisdom teeth and complex tooth extractions.
- Placement of dental implants and associated bone grafting.
- Management of facial trauma, such as jaw fractures.
- Corrective jaw surgery (orthognathic surgery).
- Treatment of pathology like cysts and tumors of the jaw and mouth.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons frequently work in hospital settings, treating emergency trauma cases and performing major reconstructive surgery. Their patient base is largely composed of referrals from general dentists and physicians requiring specialized expertise. The American Dental Association recognizes OMS as one of the nine dental specialties, setting it apart from general practice.
The Advanced Training Required for Specialization
The path to becoming a certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon is rigorous, requiring a significant commitment to post-doctoral education after obtaining the DDS or DMD degree. This specialized training involves a minimum of four years of accredited surgical residency, which is distinct from the general dental license. The residency is hospital-based, providing extensive exposure to a wide range of surgical and medical disciplines.
Residents receive training in general surgery, anesthesia, internal medicine, and emergency medicine, often including rotations in trauma and plastic surgery. This comprehensive medical and surgical background allows them to manage medically compromised patients and administer deep sedation and general anesthesia, capabilities that differentiate them from general dentists. Many programs offer a six-year track that culminates in both the OMS certificate and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, further solidifying their medical expertise.
After completing the residency, surgeons can pursue certification through the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS), which is the recognized certifying body for the specialty. This board certification is voluntary but signifies a surgeon has met the highest standards of competence, passing a rigorous written qualifying examination and an intense oral certifying examination. Diplomates of the ABOMS must also participate in ongoing certification maintenance to ensure they remain current with advancements in the field.