dental

1 of 2

adjective

den·​tal ˈden-tᵊl 

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

dentally

ˈden-tᵊl-ē 

adverb

dental

2 of 2

noun

: a dental consonant

Examples of dental in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, while offering a 401K that offers a 100% match for up to 6%. — Rashad Alexander, Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026

But health issues forced him to stop this summer, leaving them dependent on credit cards to pay for groceries, gas, medical and dental care, medicine and other expenses. — Tami Luhby, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, NOS or whippets, has legal uses in medical and dental work, but is often used recreationally due to its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 12 Oct. 2026

Someone told me that the best way to get into it is with the word dental. — Zach Schiffman, Curbed, 9 Oct. 2026

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

Phrases Containing dental

• dental floss
• dental hygienist
• dental records
• dental school
• dental technician

Rhymes for dental

• ental
• gentle
• lentil
• mental
• rental
• accidental
• compartmental
• continental
• detrimental
• elemental
• fundamental
• governmental

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

den·​tal ˈdent-ᵊl 

1

: relating to, specializing in, or used in dentistry

dental surgery

dental students

2

: relating to or used on the teeth

dental paste

dentally

-ē 

adverb