Who Is Called a Dentist?
A dentist is a licensed healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and prevents problems related to the teeth, gums, and entire oral cavity. They are trained doctors who help maintain oral health, restore damaged teeth, and improve your smile through various clinical procedures. In simple words, a dentist is the doctor responsible for your mouth, teeth, and gums. Dentists complete years of medical training and carry the title “Dr.” because they hold professional degrees equivalent to medical doctors in the field of oral health.
Below are the answers to the most commonly asked questions related to who is called a dentist.
Which doctor is called a dentist?
A dentist is a dental surgeon who has completed a degree such as BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) or DDS/DMD. They specialise in oral health, dental treatments, preventive care, and minor surgeries related to the mouth, gums, and teeth.
So, a doctor with a BDS degree is officially called a dentist.
What is a dentist called?
A dentist may also be referred to as:
- Dental Surgeon
- Oral Health Doctor
- Dental Practitioner
In clinical settings, they are addressed as Dr. (Shashwat Durga) because their degree qualifies them as a doctor in dentistry.
What do you call a person who is a dentist?
You simply call them a dentist or doctor. Professionally, they introduce themselves with the prefix Dr., followed by their name. A person who is a dentist is trained to diagnose oral diseases, perform treatments, and guide patients on maintaining proper dental hygiene.
Is a dentist also known as a doctor?
Yes, a dentist is a doctor. Dentistry is a recognised branch of medical science. Dentists complete rigorous medical training, clinical practice, and surgical education that qualifies them as doctors of oral and dental health.
They may not be MBBS doctors, but they are medical professionals in their own specialised field.
Are dentists called Dr.?
Yes. In India and globally, dentists are legally and professionally allowed to use the title “Dr.” before their name.
Every registered dental graduate with a BDS, DDS, or DMD degree holds this right.
This title is recognised by:
- Dental Council of India
- Medical educational bodies
- Hospitals and clinical institutions
Can optometrists use the Dr. title in India?
No, optometrists cannot use the “Dr.” title in India unless they hold a recognised medical doctoral degree.
Optometrists are skilled eye-care professionals, but they are not medical doctors. They are not permitted to use the Dr. prefix under Indian regulations.
Only individuals with medical degrees such as:
- MBBS
- BDS
- MD/MS
- Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani doctors (as per council rules)
are allowed to use the “Dr.” title officially.
Conclusion
A dentist is a highly trained doctor specialising in oral and dental health. They diagnose problems, perform treatments, and take care of everything related to your teeth and gums. Dentists proudly and legally use the “Dr.” title, as dentistry is a respected branch of medical science. Understanding who qualifies as a dentist helps clear confusion about medical titles and the roles different healthcare professionals play.