I see you have a DDS degree. What is the difference between dentists who have a DDS and dentists who have a DMD?

• ​In the United States, DDS and DMD degrees are equivalent. The American Dental Association specifies: “The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. They are awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a general dentist. The majority of dental schools award the DDS degree; however, some award a DMD degree. The education and degrees are the same.” Harvard University was the first dental school to award the DMD degree. Harvard only grants degrees in Latin, and school administrators thought the Latin translation of Doctor of Dental Surgery ("Chirurgae Dentium Doctoris," or CDD) was too cumbersome. A Latin scholar was consulted and suggested "Medicinae Doctor" be prefixed with "Dentariae." This is how the DMD, or "Dentariae Medicinae Doctor" degree, was started. Other dental schools made the switch to this notation, and in 1989, 23 of the 66 North American dental schools awarded the DMD. There is no meaningful difference between the DMD and DDS degrees, and all dentists must meet the same national and regional certification standards in order to practice.

Should I have all my silver fillings removed and replaced?

• Not all silver fillings have to be replaced, but white filling material (called composite) and porcelain have a number of significant advantages.  White fillings and porcelain fillings or crowns are glued or bonded to the tooth helping to prevent future cracks or fractures.  They are significantly more pleasing in appearance as well.  Over time silver fillings will break down, corrode, and cause small cracks to appear in the tooth.  Each individual is different as is each individual filling and when necessary, Dr. Chapman will discuss with you the advantages of replacing silver fillings.