Healthcare English — Dental Vocabulary 1 BE

Essential vocabulary for anyone working in a dental practice — the clinical terms, equipment, and procedure names you'll use every day.

Vocabulary in a dental setting

Dental practice has its own highly specific vocabulary, and patients rely on dental staff to explain procedures clearly and manage their anxiety. This exercise covers the core clinical terms used in dental settings — from equipment to procedures to materials — helping dental nurses, assistants, and receptionists communicate with confidence.

Ready to practice! Let's go!

Fill in each blank with the correct word from the list:

amalgam
anaesthetic
crown
extraction
fluoride
gingivitis
implant
molar
plaque
root canal

1. The patient has severe decay in the lower left — it will need to be extracted.

2. The dentist will administer a local before beginning the procedure.

3. The treatment will take two appointments — the nerve is being removed today.

4. The patient requires a on the upper right premolar to restore its shape and function.

5. We recommend a varnish application twice a year to protect the enamel.

6. Regular brushing and flossing removes — the sticky film of bacteria that causes decay.

7. The old filling has cracked and will need to be replaced.

8. She has been diagnosed with — her gums are inflamed and bleed when she brushes.

9. The will be surgically placed in the jawbone and allowed to fuse before the crown is fitted.

10. The tooth cannot be saved — is the only option at this stage.