dentist

noun

den·​tist ˈden-təst 

: one who is skilled in and licensed to practice the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, jaws, and mouth and who makes and inserts false teeth

Examples of dentist in a Sentence

I saw her at the dentist last week.

He goes to the dentist's for a check-up every six months.

Recent Examples on the Web

To determine if a root canal is needed, dentists conduct a thorough exam, often with X-rays, to evaluate decay, damage and the tooth’s internal condition. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025

At the same time, wait times for license approvals — like for dentists and nurses — have dramatically improved since three years ago. —Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 11 Sep. 2025

More than 200 volunteer dentists, hygienists, and dental assistants, backed by the nonprofit TeamSmile organization and the Chiefs, provided free dental care Tuesday to 300 children from Kansas City-area schools. —Tammy Ljungblad, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025

Doctors Council, which is also affiliated with Service Employees International Union, represents physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists and veterinarians. —Patrick Aguilar, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French dentiste, from dent

First Known Use

circa 1746, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dentist

• the dentist
• the dentist's

Rhymes for dentist

• adventist
• apprenticed

Kids Definition

dentist

noun

den·​tist ˈdent-əst 

: a professional person who is trained in the care, treatment, and repair of the teeth and the fitting of artificial teeth

Medical Definition

dentist

noun

den·​tist ˈdent-əst 

: a licensed practitioner who is skilled in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, jaws, and mouth and who makes and inserts false teeth