dentist

noun

den·​tist ˈden-təst How to pronounce dentist (audio)
: 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
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.
Talk to a dentist for specific guidelines on the best time of day—and how often—to brush your teeth. Sherri Gordon, Health, 26 Mar. 2025 See a dentist for an exam to learn if your teeth show any signs of grinding. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025 Additionally, volunteering develops the soft skills needed to be a competent and caring dentist. Kristen Moon, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 When Leigh Rodgers, 34, couldn’t get a dentist appointment for a tooth infection, the delay caused the pain in her mouth to spread down to her neck and her chest. Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dentist

Word History

Etymology

French dentiste, from dent

First Known Use

circa 1746, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dentist was circa 1746

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dentist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dentist. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

dentist

noun
den·​tist ˈdent-əst How to pronounce dentist (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce dentist (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on dentist

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