dentiste
/dɑ̃.tist/feminine, masculine
The English phrase "dentist" is translated into French as dentiste.
The term dentiste is the most common way to say "dentist" in French. When you want to say you are going to the dentist's office, you should use the preposition chez (for example, chez le dentiste) rather than the preposition à.
Meaning: specialized tooth doctor (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word dentiste is derived from dent (tooth) and the suffix -iste, which denotes a person who practices a profession.
How does it change in a sentence?
The spelling of dentiste is identical for both genders, but the indefinite article changes to indicate the gender of the person. Use un dentiste for a male dentist and une dentiste for a female dentist.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables and is pronounced /dɑ̃.tist/.
Did you know?
- The phrase avoir la dent dure literally means 'to have a hard tooth', but it is an idiom used to describe someone who is stingy or reluctant to pay.
- In historical French contexts, the role of the dentiste was once conflated with the arracheur de dents, a traveling tooth-puller who performed extractions in public squares.
- In France, the official title for a dentist is chirurgien-dentiste, which literally means 'surgeon-dentist'. This reflects the high level of medical training required for the profession.
Examples in context
- Tom est un dentiste.Tom is a dentist.This sentence is useful for identifying someone's profession using the form dentiste.Tatoeba #6397790 by felix63, translation #5467371 by CK
- Je dois voir un dentiste.I've got to see a dentist.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to see a dentist using the form dentiste.Tatoeba #563870 by sacredceltic, translation #263606 by CK
- Je vais chez le dentiste.I'm going to the dentist.This sentence demonstrates the correct use of the preposition chez when going to the dentist using the form dentiste.Tatoeba #8663109 by Julien_PDC, translation #9011730 by jaydenms
- Je dois prendre rendez-vous avec mon dentiste demain.I have to make an appointment with my dentist tomorrow.
- Hier, j'ai rencontré une dentiste très compétente.Yesterday, I met a very competent dentist.
- Le dentiste m'a conseillé de me brosser les dents après chaque repas.The dentist advised me to brush my teeth after every meal.
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Manon are talking about dental appointments at home.
- NathanEst-ce que tu as un bon dentiste ?Do you have a good dentist?
- ManonOui, ma dentiste est très douce.Yes, my dentist is very gentle.
- NathanJe dois prendre rendez-vous aussi.I need to make an appointment too.
- ManonC'est une bonne idée, Nathan.That is a good idea, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “dentist” translations and entries dentiste, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
