Chapter 01: Basic Dental Instruments
Boyd: Dental Instruments, 7th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What is the purpose of the mouth mirror?
Provide indirect vision. a.
Reflect light into the mouth. b.
Retract the lips, cheeks, and tongue. c.
All options are correct. d.
ANS: D
The purpose of the mouth mirror is to provide indirect vision, light reflection, and to
retract lips, cheeks, and tongue.
REF: Page 3 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
2. What is the purpose of the explorer?
Transfer materials to the oral cavity. a.
Transfer materials from the oral cavity. b.
Examine teeth for caries, calculus, and other abnormalities, and measure c.
periodontal depths.
All options are correct. d.
ANS: C
The explorer has a thin, flexible, pointed tip that can be single or double ended. The
explorer is used to examine teeth for caries, calculus, furcations, and other
abnormalities. Explorers may be single or double ended. Explorers may also have an
explorer on one end and a periodontal probe on the other to measure periodontal
depths. Cotton forceps transfer items into and out of the oral cavity.
REF: Page 5 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
3. The main function of this instrument is to grasp and/or transfer material into and out
of the oral cavity.
Curette a.
Mouth mirror b.
Periodontal probe c.
Cotton forceps (pliers) d.
ANS: D
The main function of cotton forceps is to grasp and transfer items and/or material into
and out of the oral cavity. The probe, mouth mirror, and curette do not have features
for grasping.
REF: Page 7 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
4. Which of the following instruments is part of a basic setup for most dental
procedures?
Curette a.
, Spoon excavator b.
Periodontal probe c.
Cotton forceps (pliers) d.
ANS: D
The cotton forceps is a useful instrument for most all procedures. The curette and
periodontal probe are instruments used in a prophylaxis or periodontal examination. A
spoon excavator is used to remove dental caries and is part of a restorative procedure.
REF: Page 11 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
5. Which type of mouth mirror reflects and magnifies the image?
Double-sided mirror a.
Front surface mirror b.
Concave mirror c.
All options are correct d.
ANS: B
The front surface mirror produces the most accurate image. A double-sided mirror
may have a front surface feature, or it may not. A concave mirror magnifies the image
and does not provide an accurate representation.
REF: Page 3 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
6. Why is using a variety of diameters beneficial to the dental professional?
Helps in lightening the instrument grasp. a.
Maximizes control of the instrument. b.
Minimizes fatigue when using the instrument. c.
Lessens stress associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. d.
All options are correct. e.
ANS: E
Using a variety of diameters of instrument handles provides multiple of benefits.
These benefits include, lightening the instrument grasp, maximizes control of the
instruments, lessens stress associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and minimizes
fatigue when using the instrument.
REF: Page 9 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
7. Which type of mouth mirror is used in disposable mirrors?
Double-sided mirror a.
Front surface mirror b.
Flat surface mirror c.
Concave mirror d.
ANS: C
The flat surface mirror is used in disposable mirrors.
REF: Page 3 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
8. Which statement is correct about cotton forceps?
Comes in one size a.
, Has plain, serrated, pointed, or rounded tips b.
Can be locking only c.
All options are correct. d.
ANS: B
Characteristics of cotton forceps include, plain or serrated tips, pointed or rounded
tips and thin or thick tips. They can be locking or non-locking and there are a range of
sizes to choose from.
REF: Page 7 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
9. Which instrument would NOT be found on a basic tray set-up?
Mouth mirror a.
Sickle scaler b.
Explorer c.
All options are correct. d.
ANS: B
A sickle scaler would not be found on a basic tray set-up. A basic tray would include
a mouth mirror, explorer and cotton forceps.
REF: Page 11 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
Chapter 02: Enamel-Cutting Instruments
Boyd: Dental Instruments, 7th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What does the third number of a three-numbered instrument indicate?
Angle of the cutting edge of the blade in relation to the handle in millimeters a.
Angle of the blade from the long axis of the shaft in millimeters b.
Width of the blade in tenths of millimeters c.
Length of the blade in millimeters d.
ANS: B
On a three-number cutting instrument, the numbers on the handle indicate width,
length, and angle of the blade. The third number indicates the angle of the blade.
REF: Page 17 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
2. What does the third number on a four-numbered cutting instrument, indicate?
Angle of the cutting edge of the blade in relation to the handle in millimeters a.
Angle of the blade from the long axis of the shaft in millimeters b.
Width of the blade in tenths of millimeters c.
Length of the blade in millimeters d.
ANS: D
On a four-number instrument, the numbers represent the width of the blade, the angle
of the cutting edge, the length of the blade, and the angle of the blade. The third
number indicates the length of the blade in millimeters.
REF: Page 19 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
, 3. What does the first number on a three-numbered enamel cutting instrument, indicate?
Angle of the cutting edge of the blade in relation to the handle in millimeters a.
Angle of the blade from the long axis of the shaft in millimeters b.
Width of the blade in tenths of millimeters c.
Length of the blade in millimeters d.
ANS: C
On a three-number cutting instrument, the numbers on the handle indicate width,
length, and angle of the blade. The first number indicates the width of the blade in
tenths of millimeters.
REF: Page 17 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
4. What does the second number on a four-numbered enamel cutting instrument,
indicate?
Angle of the cutting edge of blade in relation to handle. a.
Angle of blade from long axis of shaft in millimeters. b.
Width of the blade in tenths of millimeters. c.
Length of the blade in millimeters. d.
ANS: B
Numbers on the angle of a four-numbered cutting instrument indicate 1. Width of
blade in tenths of millimeters, 2. Angle of cutting edge of blade in relation to handle,
3. Length of blade in millimeters, 4. Angle of blade from long axis of shaft.
REF: Page 19 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
5. Which enamel cutting instrument is used to accentuate line and point angles in
internal outline and retention in a cavity preparation?
Hatchet a.
Angle former b.
Straight chisel c.
Binangle chisel d.
Gingival margin trimmer e.
ANS: B
The angle former is used to accentuate line and point angles in internal outline and
retention in a cavity preparation. The hatchet is used to clean and smooth cavity
preparation walls. The binangle chisel and straight chisel are used to plane and cleave
enamel in a cavity preparation. The gingival margin trimmer bevels the cervical walls
of mesial and distal retention areas.
REF: Page 31 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
6. Which cutting instrument is used specifically to bevel the cervical walls (floor) of the
mesial and/or distal retention areas of the interior walls of a cavity preparation?
hoe. a.
hatchet. b.
angle former. c.
spoon excavator. d.
Boyd: Dental Instruments, 7th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What is the purpose of the mouth mirror?
Provide indirect vision. a.
Reflect light into the mouth. b.
Retract the lips, cheeks, and tongue. c.
All options are correct. d.
ANS: D
The purpose of the mouth mirror is to provide indirect vision, light reflection, and to
retract lips, cheeks, and tongue.
REF: Page 3 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
2. What is the purpose of the explorer?
Transfer materials to the oral cavity. a.
Transfer materials from the oral cavity. b.
Examine teeth for caries, calculus, and other abnormalities, and measure c.
periodontal depths.
All options are correct. d.
ANS: C
The explorer has a thin, flexible, pointed tip that can be single or double ended. The
explorer is used to examine teeth for caries, calculus, furcations, and other
abnormalities. Explorers may be single or double ended. Explorers may also have an
explorer on one end and a periodontal probe on the other to measure periodontal
depths. Cotton forceps transfer items into and out of the oral cavity.
REF: Page 5 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
3. The main function of this instrument is to grasp and/or transfer material into and out
of the oral cavity.
Curette a.
Mouth mirror b.
Periodontal probe c.
Cotton forceps (pliers) d.
ANS: D
The main function of cotton forceps is to grasp and transfer items and/or material into
and out of the oral cavity. The probe, mouth mirror, and curette do not have features
for grasping.
REF: Page 7 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
4. Which of the following instruments is part of a basic setup for most dental
procedures?
Curette a.
, Spoon excavator b.
Periodontal probe c.
Cotton forceps (pliers) d.
ANS: D
The cotton forceps is a useful instrument for most all procedures. The curette and
periodontal probe are instruments used in a prophylaxis or periodontal examination. A
spoon excavator is used to remove dental caries and is part of a restorative procedure.
REF: Page 11 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
5. Which type of mouth mirror reflects and magnifies the image?
Double-sided mirror a.
Front surface mirror b.
Concave mirror c.
All options are correct d.
ANS: B
The front surface mirror produces the most accurate image. A double-sided mirror
may have a front surface feature, or it may not. A concave mirror magnifies the image
and does not provide an accurate representation.
REF: Page 3 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
6. Why is using a variety of diameters beneficial to the dental professional?
Helps in lightening the instrument grasp. a.
Maximizes control of the instrument. b.
Minimizes fatigue when using the instrument. c.
Lessens stress associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. d.
All options are correct. e.
ANS: E
Using a variety of diameters of instrument handles provides multiple of benefits.
These benefits include, lightening the instrument grasp, maximizes control of the
instruments, lessens stress associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, and minimizes
fatigue when using the instrument.
REF: Page 9 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
7. Which type of mouth mirror is used in disposable mirrors?
Double-sided mirror a.
Front surface mirror b.
Flat surface mirror c.
Concave mirror d.
ANS: C
The flat surface mirror is used in disposable mirrors.
REF: Page 3 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
8. Which statement is correct about cotton forceps?
Comes in one size a.
, Has plain, serrated, pointed, or rounded tips b.
Can be locking only c.
All options are correct. d.
ANS: B
Characteristics of cotton forceps include, plain or serrated tips, pointed or rounded
tips and thin or thick tips. They can be locking or non-locking and there are a range of
sizes to choose from.
REF: Page 7 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
9. Which instrument would NOT be found on a basic tray set-up?
Mouth mirror a.
Sickle scaler b.
Explorer c.
All options are correct. d.
ANS: B
A sickle scaler would not be found on a basic tray set-up. A basic tray would include
a mouth mirror, explorer and cotton forceps.
REF: Page 11 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
Chapter 02: Enamel-Cutting Instruments
Boyd: Dental Instruments, 7th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. What does the third number of a three-numbered instrument indicate?
Angle of the cutting edge of the blade in relation to the handle in millimeters a.
Angle of the blade from the long axis of the shaft in millimeters b.
Width of the blade in tenths of millimeters c.
Length of the blade in millimeters d.
ANS: B
On a three-number cutting instrument, the numbers on the handle indicate width,
length, and angle of the blade. The third number indicates the angle of the blade.
REF: Page 17 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
2. What does the third number on a four-numbered cutting instrument, indicate?
Angle of the cutting edge of the blade in relation to the handle in millimeters a.
Angle of the blade from the long axis of the shaft in millimeters b.
Width of the blade in tenths of millimeters c.
Length of the blade in millimeters d.
ANS: D
On a four-number instrument, the numbers represent the width of the blade, the angle
of the cutting edge, the length of the blade, and the angle of the blade. The third
number indicates the length of the blade in millimeters.
REF: Page 19 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
, 3. What does the first number on a three-numbered enamel cutting instrument, indicate?
Angle of the cutting edge of the blade in relation to the handle in millimeters a.
Angle of the blade from the long axis of the shaft in millimeters b.
Width of the blade in tenths of millimeters c.
Length of the blade in millimeters d.
ANS: C
On a three-number cutting instrument, the numbers on the handle indicate width,
length, and angle of the blade. The first number indicates the width of the blade in
tenths of millimeters.
REF: Page 17 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
4. What does the second number on a four-numbered enamel cutting instrument,
indicate?
Angle of the cutting edge of blade in relation to handle. a.
Angle of blade from long axis of shaft in millimeters. b.
Width of the blade in tenths of millimeters. c.
Length of the blade in millimeters. d.
ANS: B
Numbers on the angle of a four-numbered cutting instrument indicate 1. Width of
blade in tenths of millimeters, 2. Angle of cutting edge of blade in relation to handle,
3. Length of blade in millimeters, 4. Angle of blade from long axis of shaft.
REF: Page 19 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
5. Which enamel cutting instrument is used to accentuate line and point angles in
internal outline and retention in a cavity preparation?
Hatchet a.
Angle former b.
Straight chisel c.
Binangle chisel d.
Gingival margin trimmer e.
ANS: B
The angle former is used to accentuate line and point angles in internal outline and
retention in a cavity preparation. The hatchet is used to clean and smooth cavity
preparation walls. The binangle chisel and straight chisel are used to plane and cleave
enamel in a cavity preparation. The gingival margin trimmer bevels the cervical walls
of mesial and distal retention areas.
REF: Page 31 TOP: CDA, GC, II. Chairside Dental Procedures
6. Which cutting instrument is used specifically to bevel the cervical walls (floor) of the
mesial and/or distal retention areas of the interior walls of a cavity preparation?
hoe. a.
hatchet. b.
angle former. c.
spoon excavator. d.
