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

But England's Department of Health and Social Care is also clear that private dentistry has to be held to account, which is why the CMA has been asked to investigate, it says.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

In its submission to the CMA investigation, the BDA suggests in England it costs £4.2bn to provide NHS dentistry, but only £3bn of that comes from the government, leaving dentists a £1.2bn shortfall.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Results were either mixed or inconclusive, and there was limited strong evidence showing that collagen significantly improves metabolic health, gum disease, or cosmetic outcomes in dentistry.

From Science Daily • Jun. 5, 2026

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

From Science Daily • May 8, 2026

That year, a young dentistry student named Walter Noel presented to his doctor in Chicago with an acute anemic crisis, accompanied by the characteristic chest and bone pain.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee