D.D.S. stands for either Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Science, depending on the conferring institution. This is a four-year degree granted by dental schools in the United States and is required to practice dentistry.
The Doctor of Medical Dentistry, or D.M.D., degree is another four-year dental degree granted in the United States. It is considered by the American Dental Association, or ADA, to be equal to the D.D.S. degree. The University of Pittsburgh, Tufts University, the University of Oregon Health Sciences Center and the University of Louisville confer the D.M.D. degree; all other dental schools grant the D.D.S.
F.A.G.D. stands for Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Fellows are general dentists who have been members of the AGD for five continuous years, passed a 400-question examination and have earned 500 continuing education credits.
A Master of the Academy of General Dentistry, or M.A.G.D., is a fellow who has completed an additional 600 hours of continuing education, comprising a total of 1,100 hours of continuing education in 16 different disciplines of dentistry. Additionally, masters must earn 75 continuing education credits every three years to maintain their status.
A Registered Dental Hygienist, or R.D.H., is a graduate from a dental hygiene program at a college or university. They are licensed in most states to clean teeth and gums, administer nitrous oxide, give local anesthesia, apply fluoride and educate patients. They must earn continuing education credits in order to maintain their registration status.