Cool MateDentist vs Dentists
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Dentist
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Dentists
Top 1,000 (very common)
| Dentist | Dentists | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdentɪst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdentɪst/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈdɛntɪsts//🇺🇸 //ˈdɛntɪsts// |
| Meaning | A doctor who takes care of people's teeth. | Doctors who take care of teeth. |
| Example | to see/visit/consult your dentist | Many people visit dentists regularly for check-ups. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| 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 | visit dentists, qualified dentists, affordable dentists, find dentists, local dentists |
| Antonyms | patient, customer | patients, cavities |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'dental hygienist' which is a different profession., Saying 'the dentist's appointment' instead of 'the appointment with the dentist'. | Confused with 'orthodontists' - orthodontists specifically deal with braces., Using 'dentist' as plural - remember 'dentists' for more than one. |
| 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. | Use 'dentists' in formal and informal contexts when discussing dental health. Avoid in casual conversations unless relevant. |
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Frequently asked questions: Dentist vs Dentists
What's the difference between Dentist and Dentists?
Dentist: A doctor who takes care of people's teeth. Dentists: Doctors who take care of teeth.
Can you show an example of each?
Dentist: to see/visit/consult your dentist Dentists: Many people visit dentists regularly for check-ups.
Can I use Dentist and Dentists interchangeably?
Not always. Dentist and Dentists are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.