The Dentist

The Dentist

Year: 1996

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

HorrorThrillerHorror the undead and monster classicsIntense violence and sexual transgressionGory gruesome and slasher horror

After six months without a visit, Dr. Alan Feinstone, a successful dentist with a picture‑perfect marriage, discovers his wife is cheating. The revelation shatters his orderly world, forcing him to confront the rot hidden beneath the pristine façade of his life and practice, where every polished, white surface now seems to hide a lingering stench of decay.

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Timeline & Setting – The Dentist (1996)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Dentist (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

contemporary period (early 21st century)

The events occur in the present-day, reflecting modern medical and societal norms. The setting in the early 21st century is characterized by technological advancements in dentistry and media, which contrast with the dark psychological elements and violence depicted in the film.

Location

Los Angeles, dental practice, university auditorium

The story primarily takes place in Los Angeles, a bustling city known for its entertainment industry and diverse neighborhoods. Key locations include a dental practice where much of the horror unfolds, and an academic auditorium symbolizing the setting for the climax. These places highlight the contrast between everyday professionalism and underlying chaos.

🌇 Urban 🏥 Medical 🎓 Educational

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

Main Characters – The Dentist (1996)

Meet the key characters of The Dentist (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Alan Feinstone (Mark Ruffalo)

A successful dentist haunted by obsessive-compulsive disorder, Alan’s perfectionism and repressed anger lead him down a violent path. His psychological deterioration is marked by hallucinations and murderous outbursts, making him a complex antagonist.

🔪 Violent 🧠 Obsessive 💉 Unstable

Brooke Feinstone (Linda Hoffman)

Alan’s wife, who appears as a victim of his brutality. The revelation of her role as the final dentist working on Alan emphasizes her as a symbol of his fractured reality and of the recurring themes of betrayal and revenge.

💔 Betrayed 🤍 Victim 🦷 Wounded

Detective Gibbs (Ken Foree)

A persistent investigator working to uncover the truth behind the murders. Gibbs represents law and reality, confronting Alan’s madness and attempting to bring justice.

🕵️‍♂️ Investigative 🚓 Determined 🚨 Law

Sarah (Betsy Monroe)

A teenage patient caught in Alan’s psychotic breakdown, she symbolizes innocence threatened by his violence. Her hysterical declaration about brushing her teeth highlights her resilience and fear.

🦷 Innocence 😨 Fear 🌟 Survivor

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

Major Themes – The Dentist (1996)

Explore the central themes of The Dentist (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧼 Obsession

The film explores obsessive-compulsive tendencies through Dr. Alan Feinstone’s fixation on cleanliness and perfection. His obsessive nature drives him to violent extremes, illustrating how unchecked mental health issues can distort reality and lead to destructive behavior.

🧠 Madness

Mental instability is a central theme, as Alan’s hallucinations and violent acts reflect a deep deterioration of his mind. The film portrays how mental health struggles, when untreated, can escalate into dangerous and pathological actions.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:51

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The Dentist Summary

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The Dentist Summary

The Dentist Timeline

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The Dentist Timeline

The Dentist Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Dentist Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Dentist

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The Dentist (1996) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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The Dentist (1996) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow