Are Dentists Doctors? Dentist vs Doctor Explained. Medical Expertise in UK and Turkey
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In this article 8 sections
Generally speaking, we associate doctors with general practitioners, medical practitioners, or specialists in fields like the neuroscience or heart condition. But a lot of people are curious in dentists' medical qualifications. This is a simple yet complex response. Dentists are dentists qualified doctors highly skilled in the anatomy of humans, particularly in the oral and facial regions, have undergone a thorough education, and are essential to preserving general well-being.
Yes — dentists are doctors. A dentist is a "doctor of dental medicine" who holds a professional doctoral degree (BDS, DDS or DMD) and uses the title "Dr." However, dentists are not medical doctors (MDs) — they specialise in oral health (teeth, gums, mouth and jaw) rather than general medicine. So a dentist is a doctor in their own field of dentistry, just not a physician.
It's one of the most commonly asked questions about the profession — and the confusion is understandable, because the answer is "yes and no" depending on what you mean by "doctor." This guide explains exactly how dentists qualify, why they hold the title "Dr," how a dentist differs from a medical doctor, and what the various dental degrees (BDS, DDS, DMD) actually mean — in the UK, US and internationally.
The short answer
Dentists are doctors — specifically, doctors of dental medicine. They complete a demanding university degree, earn a professional doctorate in dentistry, and are fully qualified, registered healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth, gums, mouth and jaw. They rightly use the title "Dr."
What they are not is medical doctors (physicians) — those who hold an MD or MBBS and practise general medicine. A dentist and a physician follow separate university courses and separate professional registers. So when someone asks "is a dentist a real doctor?", the accurate answer is: yes, a doctor of dentistry — but not a medical doctor.
Dentist vs medical doctor: the key differences
| Dentist | Medical Doctor (Physician) | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Teeth, gums, mouth, jaw (oral health) | The whole body / general medicine |
| Typical degree | BDS, DDS or DMD | MD or MBBS |
| Uses "Dr" title | Yes | Yes |
| Is a "doctor"? | Yes — of dental medicine | Yes — of medicine |
| Registered with | Dental council/board (e.g. GDC in UK) | Medical council/board (e.g. GMC in UK) |
Dental degrees explained: BDS, DDS and DMD
Dentists hold a professional doctoral degree in dentistry. The exact abbreviation depends on the country, but they are equivalent qualifications:
- BDS — Bachelor of Dental Surgery (UK, and many Commonwealth countries, including Turkey's equivalent). Despite the word "Bachelor," it's a demanding degree that qualifies you as a dentist.
- DDS — Doctor of Dental Surgery (common in the US).
- DMD — Doctor of Dental Medicine (also used in the US; equivalent to DDS).
DDS and DMD are essentially the same qualification under different names — both are professional doctorates that make someone a dentist. Dentists can then go on to further specialist training (for example in oral surgery, orthodontics or periodontics).
Why dentists use "Dr" — and the UK question
Dentists earn the right to use "Dr" through their professional doctoral qualification, just as physicians do. This is standard and correct worldwide.
A common specific question is whether dentists are "doctors" in the UK. In the UK, dentists traditionally hold a BDS and register with the General Dental Council (GDC). By long-standing convention and GDC guidance, UK dentists may use the courtesy title "Dr," provided they make clear they are a dentist (not a medical doctor) to avoid confusing patients. So a UK dentist is properly called "Dr" — as a dentist.
How dentists train
Becoming a dentist requires several years of rigorous university education — typically around 5 years — combining basic medical sciences (anatomy, physiology, pharmacology) with dental-specific training and extensive supervised clinical practice. Dentists study much of the same foundational science as medical students in the early years, then specialise in the oral and maxillofacial region. After qualifying, they register with the national dental regulator and may pursue further postgraduate specialisation.
Can a dentist become a medical doctor?
Not automatically — dentistry and medicine are separate degrees and registers. A dentist who wants to become a physician would generally need to complete a medical degree (MD/MBBS) as well. That said, there is significant overlap in some fields: oral and maxillofacial surgeons, for example, are often dual-qualified in both dentistry and medicine, because their work spans the mouth, jaws and face. So while a dentist isn't automatically a medical doctor, some do go on to hold both qualifications.
Why this matters when choosing a clinic: Whether at home or abroad, you want a dentist who is properly qualified and registered. When you choose dental treatment, it's reasonable to ask about your dentist's qualifications and registration — a good clinic is always transparent about this.
Are Dentists Doctors? — Frequently Asked Questions
Are dentists doctors?
Yes — dentists are doctors of dental medicine. They hold a professional doctoral degree (BDS, DDS or DMD) and use the title "Dr." They are not medical doctors (MDs/physicians), as they specialise in oral health rather than general medicine.
Are dentists medical doctors (MDs)?
No. Dentists are doctors of dentistry, not medical doctors. An MD (or MBBS) is a physician who trained in general medicine; a dentist trained in dental medicine. They are separate qualifications and separate professional registers.
Are dentists doctors in the UK?
Yes — UK dentists hold a BDS and register with the General Dental Council, and may use the courtesy title "Dr" provided they make clear they are a dentist rather than a medical doctor.
What's the difference between BDS, DDS and DMD?
They're equivalent dental qualifications from different countries: BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery, UK/Commonwealth), DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery, US) and DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine, US). All qualify someone as a dentist.
Are dentists MDs?
No — dentists are not MDs. An MD is a medical doctor (physician). Dentists hold dental degrees (BDS/DDS/DMD) and are "doctors" of dentistry, not medicine.
Can a dentist become a medical doctor?
Not automatically — they'd need to complete a medical degree as well. However, some specialists, such as oral and maxillofacial surgeons, are dual-qualified in both dentistry and medicine.
Why do dentists call themselves "Dr"?
Because they hold a professional doctoral qualification in dentistry, which entitles them to the title — the same principle by which physicians use "Dr." They should make clear they are a dentist to avoid confusion.
The Last Word from The More Clinics
So, are dentists doctors? Yes — they're doctors of dental medicine: highly trained, qualified and registered healthcare professionals who rightly use the title "Dr," even though they aren't medical doctors. When you're choosing dental care, the qualification that matters is that your dentist is properly trained and registered — and that the clinic is open about it. If you're considering dental treatment, our qualified dental team is happy to answer any questions about credentials and care.
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Written by The More Editorial Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr. Onur Ademhan, specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. See our Editorial Process. Last Updated: [26 August 2026]
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes. Professional titles, degree abbreviations and regulations vary by country; check your national dental regulator for specifics.
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss decisions about your health and treatment with your treating clinician.
