40 Across
NYT Daily • September 11, 2025
Kind of surgeon
Answer:
ORAL
Hint:
["This specialist often works on teeth, gums, or jaws rather than the heart or brain. You might visit one for wisdom tooth removal."]
Explanation:
The clue "Kind of surgeon" hints at a medical specialist, but the answer "ORAL" plays on the double meaning of the word. While "oral" typically refers to the mouth, it also describes an oral surgeon—a dentist who performs surgical procedures. The trick is recognizing that "oral" fits both the literal and professional definition in this context.