dentist

IPA/ˈdentɪst/
KK[dˈɛntəst]IPA/ˈdentɪst/

dentist — noun

  • dentistsingular
  • dentistsplural

1. someone trained to treat patients' teeth — cleaning them, filling cavities, and

1.nounA2
Definition

someone trained to treat patients' teeth — cleaning them, filling cavities, and removing any that are too damaged to save

Example

Christopher's dentist told him he needed to floss every day after brushing.

possessive + dentist as the subject of a clause

Pim made an appointment with a new dentist near his apartment.

collocation: make an appointment with a dentist

Common collocations
  • see a dentist
  • visit the dentist
  • go to the dentist
  • dentist appointment
  • dentist's chair
Synonyms
  • dental surgeon

    formal term used mainly in medical contexts; implies surgical training

  • orthodontist

    a dentist who specialises in straightening teeth with braces or aligners

  • dental hygienist

    a licensed professional who cleans teeth and checks gum health, but does not perform fillings or extractions

Grammar Patterns

the + dentist

a + dentist

[possessive] + dentist

Usage Note

Unlike titles such as 'doctor' or 'professor,' 'dentist' is not placed before a person's name. You say 'Dr. Lin, the dentist' or 'my dentist, Dr. Lin,' but not 'Dentist Lin.'

Common Mistakes

I need to see dentist.
I need to see the dentist.
'Dentist' is a countable noun and requires an article or determiner.
Dentist Wu is very skilled.
Dr. Wu is a very skilled dentist.
'Dentist' is not used as a title before a person's name.

2. a clinic where a dental professional sees patients for check-ups, cleaning, and

2.nounB1
Definition

a clinic where a dental professional sees patients for check-ups, cleaning, and treatment of their teeth

Example

Ziad went to the dentist to get a filling for his broken tooth.

collocation: go to the dentist (referring to the place)

Ayana waited forty minutes at the dentist before the nurse called her name.

Common collocations
  • at the dentist
  • to the dentist
  • from the dentist
  • dentist waiting room
  • dentist appointment
Synonyms
  • dental clinic

    more formal term; often used for a larger practice or a public-health facility

  • dental surgery

    British English term for a dentist's office, especially one where small operations are performed

  • dentist's practice

    emphasises the business side of the dental office

Grammar Patterns

the + dentist

at + the + dentist

[possessive] + dentist

Usage Note

When referring to the place, the definite article is standard: 'at the dentist,' 'to the dentist.' The possessive form 'the dentist's' (without 'office') is also common in British English, e.g., 'I'm at the dentist's.'

Common Mistakes

I am in dentist right now.
I am at the dentist right now.
The place requires the definite article 'the' and the preposition 'at.'
Let us meet near dentist.
Let us meet near the dentist.
Always use an article when referring to a specific dental clinic.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

A dentist is the general practitioner for oral health — they examine, clean, fill cavities, and pull teeth. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional training to correct teeth alignment with braces or clear aligners; you would only see one on a referral from your regular dentist. A dental surgeon is a dentist qualified to perform surgical procedures such as removing impacted wisdom teeth or placing implants — the term highlights the surgical side of the work rather than routine check-ups. A dental hygienist is a licensed professional who focuses on preventive care: cleaning teeth, applying fluoride, and checking gums, but they cannot drill, fill, or extract. If you have a toothache, start with a general dentist. If you need braces, they will refer you to an orthodontist.

dentist ↗orthodontist ↗dental surgeondental hygienist

Common collocations

Nouns

  • dentist appointment
  • dentist chair
  • dentist office
  • dentist visit
  • dentist fee

Phrases

  • see a dentist
  • visit the dentist
  • go to the dentist
  • make a dentist appointment
  • have a dentist check-up

Prepositions

  • at the dentist
  • to the dentist
  • from the dentist

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Borrowed from French 'dentiste' in the 1700s, which was formed from Latin 'dens' (tooth) plus the suffix '-iste' (someone who practices a profession). Before this term became common, tooth specialists were called 'tooth-drawers' or 'operators for the teeth.' The modern word 'dentist' replaced those older terms as the profession became more scientifically trained.