In the early 19th century a dentist was culturally understood as a tradesman, as opposed to a professional in the medical sense.

Most dentists had either learned their trade through apprenticeships or simply offered their services to the public as self-proclaimed experts.

[citation needed] A similar evolution happened in dentistry, as dentists today are required to understand a large amount of oral medicine to earn license to practice.

There is no difference between the DMD and DDS degree; all dentists must meet the same national and regional certification standards.

[7] This symbolic change was made to emphasize the biological basis of oral medicine and the increasingly multidisciplinary focus of dental research.

In addition to publishing a quarterly bulletin, marking the current events of the school as well as the achievements of alumni, the Association also sponsors the annual Gold Medal and Silver Medal awards at graduation, honoring the valedictorian and salutatorian of the graduating class, respectively.