What Is a DDS/MAGD?

What does DDS mean?

DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. This is the terminal degree in the study of dentistry. Every dentist in the U.S. needs to complete this level of study to be licensed to practice. These degree plans include a comprehensive course of study in every area of dentistry as well as a complete understanding of the interworking of oral and facial structures. Following the degree, dentists can choose to complete a residency for 1 to 2 years working closely with medical professionals.

What is the difference between DDS and DMD?

The difference is one of semantics. DMD stands for Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry and/or Doctor of Dental Medicine. A DMD education is identical to a DDS education; they must complete their doctoral studies in the dental field and a general dentistry or specialization residency. Each individual dental school determines which of the two degrees they will confer, but both doctoral degrees make dentists eligible for licensure to work in the field of dentistry.

What does MAGD mean?

For the everyday person, a DDS MAGD only means that the dentist has acquired the highest level of accreditation to be able to practice. MAGD stands for Mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. In order to obtain this level of honor within this highly respected professional institution, a dentist needs to complete more than a thousand hours of advanced training and education as well as a variety of other parameters in order to be considered for mastership. This high honor is only achieved by less than 2% of dentists in the entirety of the U.S. and Canada, and the majority of these doctors have worked as a dentist for decades.

We invite you to contact Indian Creek Dental at 972-836-8653 to learn more about Dr. Hattaway’s advanced training, and to schedule your appointment at our friendly dental office in Carrollton, Texas. We look forward to helping you care for your smile!