Crossword Genius

Bash first for canine expert (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dentist

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'canine expert' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

'bash first' is the wordplay.
'bash' becomes 'dent' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'first' becomes 'ist'.
'dent'+'ist'='DENTIST'

'for' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dentist that I've seen before include "Open wide for him" , "One treating teeth" , "One who treats teeth" , "Practitioner who looks down in the mouth?" , "Occasional driller" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Guardian.
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