ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dentist

n. countable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈdɛnɪst// UK //dˈɛntɪst// den·tist General-service

n. a doctor who takes care of your teeth. You visit this person to get your teeth cleaned or fixed.

n. a medical professional qualified to treat the teeth and gums. Often used metonymically to refer to the clinic or surgery where such treatment occurs.


SIMPLE

I have an appointment with the dentist tomorrow.

CONTEXTUAL

The dentist recommends brushing twice a day to prevent cavities and keep your gums healthy.

COMPLEX

Regular visits to the dentist are essential for early detection of oral health issues that might otherwise require invasive and expensive procedures if left untreated.

Origin

Borrowed from French dentiste.

Usage

Often used with the definite article ('the dentist') to refer to the profession or the specific location of the appointment.

Pitfall

I go to the dentist for clean my teethI go to the dentist to clean my teethLearners often use 'for' instead of 'to' when expressing the purpose of a medical visit.

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