1
: of or relating to the teeth or dentistry
2
: articulated with the tip or blade of the tongue against or near the upper front teeth

dental

2 of 2

noun

: a dental consonant

Examples of dental in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
These include medical, dental and vision benefits, with coverage available for spouses, children and domestic partners. — Hali Smith, Idaho Statesman, 4 Nov. 2026 If passed, the measure would have required community health clinics to spend at least 90% of their annual revenue on program services, including medical visits, mental health care, dental health care, medications, medical equipment and more. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026 And dental health is important because it's related to so many systems in your body, from your heart to digestion. — Rachel Carlson, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026 Well, the experts at LG Beauty are applying the same concept of color theory to dental care. — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 2 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dental

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin dentalis, from dent-, dens

First Known Use

Adjective

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

circa 1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dental was in 1594

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dental. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

Kids Definition

dental

adjective
den·​tal
ˈdent-ᵊl
: of or relating to the teeth or dentistry
Etymology

Adjective

from Latin dentalis "relating to the teeth," from dent-, dens "tooth" — related to dandelion, indent, trident

Medical Definition

dental

adjective
1
: relating to, specializing in, or used in dentistry
dental surgery
dental students
2
: relating to or used on the teeth
dental paste
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