A man who works in dentistry or the dental profession, whether as a dentist or dental professional.
Compound word from 'dental' (relating to teeth) and 'man' (male person). This older terminology was common before more neutral professional terms like 'dentist' became standard.
This word reveals how professions were historically gendered in English—'dentalman' assumed dentistry was a male profession, while 'dental hygienist' became the feminized alternative, which is why we eventually just said 'dentist' for everyone!
Compounds with -man assumed male professionals as the default. Historic practice excluded women from dental professions; language reflected and reinforced this exclusion.
Use 'dental professional' or 'dentist' instead to be inclusive of all genders.
["dental professional","dentist","dental technician"]
Women have been central to dental hygiene, orthodontics, and prosthodontics since early 20th century, though often uncredited in -man compounds that defaulted to male visibility.
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