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

Researchers at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities College of Biological Sciences and the School of Dentistry set out to explore how bacteria in the mouth communicate and whether that communication could be deliberately disrupted.

From Science Daily • Dec. 16, 2025

In 1951 Perry Brickman and three Jewish friends enrolled in the Emory University School of Dentistry.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 2025

According to the report, the additional $30,000 “fee” was then presented as a “cost… to equip international students with basic and advanced research skills,” accompanied by invoices and letters with the School of Dentistry letterhead.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 19, 2025

Dentistry in Scotland has always been a mixed economy.

From BBC • Oct. 17, 2024

The other ornaments were a small marble-topped centre table covered with back numbers of "The American System of Dentistry," a stone pug dog sitting before the little stove, and a thermometer.

From McTeague by Norris, Frank