Bridge maker-cum-canal operator? (7)

I believe the answer is:

dentist

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'operator?' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dentist that I've seen before include "expert in oral examination" , "Practitioner who looks down in the mouth?" , "Teeth specialist" , "Tooth expert" , "Occasional driller" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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