dentistry

American  

[den-tuh-stree] / ˈdɛn tə stri /

noun

1. the profession or science dealing with the prevention and treatment of diseases and malformations of the teeth, gums, and oral cavity, and the removal, correction, and replacement of decayed, damaged, or lost parts, including such operations as the filling and crowning of teeth, the straightening of teeth, and the construction of artificial dentures.

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dentistry British  

/ ˈdɛntɪstrɪ /

noun

1. the branch of medical science concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and gums

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dentistry Scientific  

/ dĕn′tĭ-strē /

1. The branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the teeth, gums, and other structures of the mouth.

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Etymology

Origin of dentistry

First recorded in 1830–40; dentist + -ry

Example Sentences

Their findings, published in npj Biofilms and Microbiomes, could eventually influence treatments far beyond dentistry.

From Science Daily • May 8, 2026

Starting in July, graduate students attending professional programs, including for medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine, will be able to borrow a maximum of $200,000 over the course of their degree.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

This month the UK competition watchdog launched a review into private dentistry, saying it wanted to make sure it was "working well for consumers".

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

These firms focus mostly on specialty fields built on high-volume procedures and steady insurance payments, like dermatology, dentistry, and gastroenterology.

From Slate • Mar. 17, 2026

Maybe she should have studied law instead of dentistry.

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan