dentist

Everyday

1. A dentist is a doctor who looks after people's teeth and gums: checks them, cleans them and fixes problems. tree →
2. «The dentist» or «the dentist's» also means the place where the dentist works. tree →

In the lessons

In health lessons visiting the dentist for check-ups (about every six months or as the dentist says) keeps teeth healthy; the dentist looks for holes (cavities), cleans plaque, and may fill or take out teeth. With brushing twice a day and less sugar, you visit the dentist less for problems. In stories a trip to the dentist can be a scary scene that turns out fine. Phrases: go to the dentist, dentist's appointment, check-up, filling, dental nurse.

Examples

• I go to the dentist twice a year for a check-up. tree →
• The dentist said my teeth were healthy. tree →
• She has a dentist's appointment after school. tree →
• The dentist filled a small hole in my tooth. tree →
• Don't be scared of the dentist; it doesn't usually hurt. tree →
• Brush your teeth so the dentist won't find any cavities. tree →
• The dentist used a little mirror to look at my back teeth. tree →
• My brother had a wobbly tooth taken out at the dentist's. tree →

Note

Countable: dentists. The adjective about teeth is «dental» (dental floss, dental nurse). A dentist for straightening teeth with braces is an orthodontist. «At the dentist's» (UK) = at the dentist's surgery; in the USA people say «at the dentist».