A2noun1K

Dentist

UK /["/ˈdentɪst/"]/US /["/ˈdentɪst/"]/

Definition

a person whose job is to take care of people’s teeth

In simple words: A doctor who takes care of people's teeth.

Examples

  • to see/visit/consult your dentist
  • the dentist's chair/drill
  • I hate **going to the dentist**.
  • an appointment at the dentist’s
  • She couldn’t get treatment because she wasn’t registered with the dentist.

Usage notes

Use 'dentist' when talking about tooth health services. Mostly used in neutral conversations; avoid in very formal contexts where medical specialists are being discussed.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'dent' as in teeth, plus 'ist' like artist — an artist for your teeth.

Collocations

  • good
  • qualified
  • registered
  • recommend
  • register with
  • appointment
  • office
  • chair
  • a dentist’s appointment
  • a/​the dentist’s office
  • a/​the dentist’s chair
  • good
  • qualified
  • registered
  • recommend
  • register with
  • appointment
  • office
  • chair
  • a dentist’s appointment
  • a/​the dentist’s office
  • a/​the dentist’s chair

Synonyms

  • tooth doctor
  • oral care specialist
  • dentistry professional

Antonyms

  • patient
  • customer

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'dental hygienist' which is a different profession.
  • Saying 'the dentist's appointment' instead of 'the appointment with the dentist'.