The word "orthodontist" is derived from two roots: "ortho-" and "-dontist."
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Ortho-: This prefix comes from the Greek word "orthos," meaning "straight" or "correct." In the context of orthodontics, it refers to the correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.
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-dontist: This suffix is derived from the Greek word "odous," meaning "tooth." The suffix "-ist" indicates a specialist or practitioner in a particular field.
Putting these roots together, an "orthodontist" is essentially a specialist in correcting teeth and jaws to ensure they are straight and properly aligned.