Crossword Genius

Ring lecturer to register unknown branch of dentistry (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

odontology

'branch of dentistry' is the definition.
(study of diseases of the teeth)

'ring lecturer to register unknown' is the wordplay.
'ring' becomes 'o' (letter resembling a ring).
'lecturer' becomes 'don' (don can mean an academic).
'register' becomes 'log' (I've seen this before).
'unknown' becomes 'y' (algebra).
'o'+'don'+'to'+'log'+'y'='ODONTOLOGY'

(Another definition for odontology that I've seen is " Scientific study of teeth".)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app