noun
Formal term for a licensed dental practitioner, as opposed to the more casual 歯医者.
彼は歯科医師の資格を取るために勉強している。
He is studying to obtain his dentist license.
歯科医師の診察を受ける。
I have a consultation with a dentist.
歯医者 is the common, casual word for a dentist or a dental clinic. 歯科医師 is a more formal, professional title specifically for a licensed dentist.
Compound of 歯科 (dental department) and 医師 (medical doctor).