When you are looking for a dentist you will come across different credentials and titles. At first these can be confusing. If you understand what they mean you can make good decisions about your dental care. You want to make sure you are getting treatment from a dentist who is properly trained, such as one holding a DDS degree.
The first thing a dentist needs is a dental degree. This is the start of their career. In countries, including India dentists get a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree which is called a BDS. To get this degree they have to study for five years. They learn about things like the body diseases of the mouth and how to fix teeth.
In the United States dentists get either a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree which is called a DDS or a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree which is called a DMD. Even though the names are different these degrees are the same. They mean that the dentist has finished their education and training.
Some dentists want to learn more so they get specializations. In India this is called a Master of Dental Surgery which is called an MDS. They can specialize in things like:
- Orthodontics, which’s when they fix the alignment of teeth
- Prosthodontics, which is when they make crowns, bridges and dentures
- Periodontics, which’s when they take care of the health of the gums
- Endodontics, which is when they do root canal treatments
- Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Dentists who specialize have to train for many more years. They are able to do procedures that are related to their specialty.
Dentists can also get certifications or fellowships from organizations. These show that they have gotten training or are very good at something. For example a dentist might be certified in implantology, which’s when they put in implants or cosmetic dentistry which is when they make teeth look better. Fellowships are awards that dental associations give to dentists who’re very good at what they do.
To be able to practice dentists have to be registered with a governing body. In India this is called the State Dental Council. It is supervised by the Dental Council of India. Being registered means that the dentist has to follow standards and be ethical.
Dentists use titles depending on what they are qualified to do. Some common titles are:
- General Dentist
- Specialist, like an Orthodontist or an Endodontist
- Cosmetic Dentist
- Oral Surgeon
Sometimes titles like ” dentist” do not mean that the dentist has specialized training.. They do show what the dentist is interested in or experienced at.
Why do credentials matter?
They matter because they affect the quality of care you get. A dentist who is well-qualified and has the right specialization is more likely to diagnose you, give you good treatment and handle any problems that come up.
In the end dental credentials and titles are not just labels. They show how well-educated and trained a dentist is. If you take the time to understand what they mean you can choose a dentist, for your needs.
