In the U.S., we call our dentists “Doctor” — but is that just a formality, or are they truly doctors in the academic and professional sense?
The short answer: Yes, dentists are doctors. But their title, training, and scope differ from what you’d expect from an MD or DO.
Here’s a breakdown of what “doctor” means in dentistry — and how it compares to other medical professionals.
What Makes Someone a Doctor?
Traditionally, a “doctor” is someone who:
- Holds a doctoral-level degree (e.g., PhD, MD, DDS)
- Has completed extensive graduate-level training
- Is licensed to practice in a professional, often clinical, field
By that definition, dentists absolutely qualify.
Dentists Hold Doctoral Degrees
In the United States, dental education is standardized and regulated at the national level.
Dentists graduate with either:
- D.D.S. – Doctor of Dental Surgery
- D.M.D. – Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (or Dental Medicine)
Both are doctoral degrees — the difference is purely in name, depending on the dental school.
✅ Either way, dentists complete:
- A 4-year undergraduate degree
- A 4-year dental program
- National and clinical board exams
That’s 8+ years of education and training — the same timeline as many MDs.
How Are Dentists Different from Medical Doctors?
| Aspect | Dentist (DDS/DMD) | Medical Doctor (MD/DO) |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Doctoral (DDS or DMD) | Doctoral (MD or DO) |
| Focus | Oral health, teeth, gums | Whole-body medicine |
| Schooling | 4 years undergrad + 4 years dental | 4 years undergrad + 4 years med school |
| Residency | Optional (1–6 years) | Required (3+ years) |
| Prescribing rights | Yes, for dental needs | Yes, broad medical authority |
Dentists are doctors of oral health — not general medicine — but their expertise is no less rigorous or essential.
Can Dentists Be Called “Doctor”?
Yes — and legally so. Dentists are licensed to:
- Use the title Doctor
- Sign prescriptions
- Perform clinical procedures and surgeries (within scope)
Patients, staff, and professional institutions refer to them as “Dr.” followed by their last name, just like physicians.
Final Thoughts
Dentists are absolutely doctors — just in a specialized field. With over 8 years of training, board certifications, and the ability to diagnose, treat, and perform surgery, dentists earn the title in full.
Curious how long it takes to become a licensed dentist in the U.S.?
Check out our full timeline and education guide.
