Dental instrument identification, infection control, and chairside assistance basics tested on dental assisting certification exams.
39 cards · basic cards · AI-written, checked twice. Edit anything.
- What is a mouth mirror used for in operative dentistry?
- To provide indirect vision and retraction of the lips and cheeks
- What is a dental explorer?
- A sharp instrument used to detect calculus, decay, and surface irregularities on teeth
- What is a scaler used for?
- Removal of calculus and plaque from tooth surfaces
- What is the primary difference between high-speed and low-speed handpieces?
- High-speed is used for cutting and removing tooth structure; low-speed is used for polishing and finishing
- What does a burnisher do?
- Polishes and smooths restorative materials and tooth surfaces
- What is the purpose of a dental shade guide?
- To select the correct color match for restorative materials
- What are the two main types of suction evacuation?
- High-volume evacuation and low-volume evacuation
- What is an amalgam condenser?
- An instrument used to pack and condense amalgam restorative material into a prepared tooth
- What is the purpose of a polishing bur?
- To polish and smooth tooth surfaces and restorations
- What instrument is used for gum retraction during impressions?
- Retraction cord or retraction paste
- What does standard precautions in dentistry include?
- Treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious
- What personal protective equipment is required for dental assistants?
- Gloves, face mask, protective eyewear, and protective gown or apron
- When must hands be washed during patient care?
- Before donning gloves, after removing gloves, and between patient appointments
- How should sharp instruments be disposed of?
- In a rigid sharps container that is sealed and labeled when full
- What is the recommended sterilization method for dental instruments?
- Autoclave (steam sterilization) at 121 degrees Celsius for 15-30 minutes