It is commonly believed that a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) is the same as an oral surgeon. The truth is that you cannot be a general dentist and an oral surgeon! A DDS is the degree given to a graduating dentist upon completion of dental school. A DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry) is almost the same thing as a DDS and is given to an individual who has graduated dental school.
So all dentists who graduate, whether in general dentistry or a speciality have either a DDS or DMD. The name Doctor of Dental Surgery, despite how it sounds, does not indicate that the individual is an oral surgeon. General dentists have no post-doctoral residency or training, while those who do complete this training become specialists in fields such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, and oral surgery.
A dentist must complete 4-6 years of additional training in a residency program to become an oral surgeon! While a dentist will have experience in restorative procedures, cosmetic dentistry, and teeth alignment, an oral surgeon’s expertise is in teeth extractions, dental implants, and bone grafting procedures.
If you need an oral surgeon in the Raleigh area, contact Davis Oral Surgery or call 919-488-2194 to schedule an evaluation.