Basic Instruments
This instrument is used to provide indirect vision, reflect light, and retract soft tissue during dental procedures.
What is a mouth mirror?
This instrument is used to condense and pack restorative material into a cavity preparation.
What is a condenser?
A test done weekly to verify that a sterilization cycle is effective.
What is a spore test?
This small, low-volume suction tip is used to remove saliva and light fluids from the mouth.
What is a saliva ejector?
This single-use device must be discarded in a sharps container after use to prevent needlestick injuries and cross-contamination.
What is a syringe?
This tool is used to explore tooth surfaces for decay or calculus.
What is an explorer?
This instrument is used to shape, contour, and place composite materials.
What is a plastic instrument?
This device uses steam under pressure to sterilize instruments.
What is an Autoclave/Statim?
This suction device provides strong suction for blood, debris, and water during procedures.
What is a high-volume evacuator (HVE)?
When donning PPE in proper order, this item is put on last before patient care begins.
What is gloves?
This instrument is used to grasp or transfer items in and out of the mouth.
What are cotton pliers?
This instrument is used to place material in a thin layer to protect the pulp before a restoration is placed.
What is dental liner?
This device is used to lubricate and maintain dental handpieces to ensure proper function and longevity.
What is a handpiece oiler?
These single-use items are designed to prevent cross-contamination and are discarded after each patient use.
What are disposables?
This buildup inside dental unit waterlines is a sticky layer of microorganisms that can contaminate water output.
What is biofilm?
This instrument is used to measure the depth of gingival sulcus or periodontal pockets in millimeters.
What is a periodontal probe?
This instrument is used to adapt restorative material and help reproduce natural tooth anatomy during placement.
What is a burnisher?
These three items should not be processed in an ultrasonic cleaner due to damage risk or manufacturer restrictions.
What are handpieces, X-Ray kits and Ultrasonic scalers?
This device is placed between the teeth to help keep the mouth open and reduce fatigue during longer dental procedures.
What is a bite block?
Procedure following any procedure with visible blood to help reduce microbial contamination and biofilm buildup.
What is flushing the dental waterlines?
This commonly used diagnostic tray setup contains the “big four” instruments used during routine dental exams.
What is a basic setup?
This hand cutting instrument is used to remove softened, decayed dentin from a cavity preparation using a scooping motion.
What is a spoon excavator?
This type of monitoring uses strips placed inside sterilization packs that change color to show that proper time, temperature, and pressure were reached.
What are process indicators?
Where should the HVE be positioned for #13 during treatment? (tooth # and surfaces)
What is the buccal of #14?
This organization provides guidelines and standards for infection control in dental settings in the United States.
What is the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)?