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

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

Healthwatch England, a watchdog which represents patients, says it receives more complaints about dentistry than any other subject.

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

“Dental problems are very clearly associated with diabetes,” as well as heart problems and other health issues, said Paul Glassman, associate dean of the California Northstate University dentistry school.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 28, 2026

Quackenbush, I heard, had two possible appointments to the Military Academy, with carefully prepared positions in V-12 and dentistry school to fall back on if necessary.

From "A Separate Peace" by John Knowles