1. Chapter 34, Dental hand instruments
Dental Assisting
Chapter 34, Dental hand instruments

2. Instrument Number
The dental manufacturer assigns a number to most instruments
The dentist will often refer to pliers and forceps by their number rather than by their name
It is advantageous to learn both the number and the name

3. Catalog Number
This number referred to by the dentist is a universal representation of the instrument.
Each type of dental instrument has a specific purpose in a dental procedure.
The assistant will set up the instruments on the tray in a precise order of use and is expected to transfer from the tray setup when the operator signals for a new instrument.
Most hand instruments are made of stainless steel, carbon steel, plastic, or specialized metal.

4. Instrument Design
Hand instruments are designed with three specific parts
Handle
Portion of the instrument that the operator grasps
Shank
Part of the instrument that connects the working end to the handle
Working end
Portion of the instrument designed for a specific function

5. Instrument Design Cont.
What are the advantages to a handle with a larger circumference?
Where would you use an instrument with an angled shank?
The working end may be a point, blade, or nib. Instruments can also be single- or double-ended. Double-ended instruments are mirror images or have reverse angles.
What are mirror-image instruments called?

6. Instrument Design Cont.
Larger handles are ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue and stress on hand muscles.
Posterior areas
4) Left and right instruments

7. Three Parts of a Dental Hand Instrument
Define each part of the instrument in your own words. (Answers will vary.)
What information is found on the handle of a dental instrument? (Name of the instrument, manufacturer’s name, and the universal identification number)

8. Black’s Instrument Formula
Black designed a formula that describes the angulations and dimensions of the working end of a hand instrument
Hand cutting and scaling instruments have three sets of numbers that identify the
Width of blade
Length of blade
Angle of blade

9. numbers in G.V. Black's Instrument Formula

10. Instrument Classification
Examination instruments
Hand cutting instruments
Restorative instruments
Accessory instruments

11. Instrument Sequence Procedure tray is set up from left to right
Based on how instruments are transferred and used throughout a dental procedure
The clinical assistant uses the left hand when transferring instruments
Most frequently used instruments should be placed closer to the dentist for ready availability

12. Organized Instrument Tray Tray setup showing appropriate sequence of instruments: 1, Examination instruments. 2, Hand cutting instruments. 3, Restorative instruments. 4, Accessory instruments.

13. Examination Instruments

14. Basic Setup
What instruments are included in the basic setup? (The mouth mirror, the explorer, and cotton pliers are to be “set out” for every procedure. These instruments are referred to as the basic setup.)
The mirror and the explorer are to be transferred simultaneously with the use of a two-handed transfer.

15. Uses for the Mouth Mirror

16. Uses for Mouth Mirror (Cont.)

17. Hand (Manual) Cutting Instruments
The next group of instruments placed on the tray setup after the examination instruments
Dentists will have a preference as to what instruments they want included in this section
A combination of rotary instruments and manual cutting instruments interchangeably throughout a procedure

18. Restorative Instruments
Used to place, condense, and carve the restorative dental materials back to reflect the normal anatomy of that tooth
Instruments selected for the tray setup vary with the dentist’s preferences and the type of dental materials selected for the procedure

19. Accessory Instruments and Items
Accessory items are not necessarily included in the tray setup but can be “pulled” from the dental cabinets or tub to be used for many procedures
When additional items are used for a procedure, you must follow proper infection control guidelines regarding disinfection or sterilization of the item before you place it back

20. Preset Cassettes (Trays)
Hand instruments and related accessories for a given procedure are prepared, stored, and transported together
Exam
Amalgam
Composite
Crown and bridge
Endodontic
Surgical

21. Cassette for a Preventive Procedure

22. Preset Restorative Tray
Note how the examination instruments are placed on the tray starting from the left. Following the examination instruments are the restorative instruments and then the accessory instruments.
Judging from the setup shown on the slide, what procedure is to be performed? (Amalgam restoration placement)

23. The combination is known as the tub and tray system
Storage Tubs
Supplies and dental materials for specific procedures can be stored in a covered plastic tub within each operatory
The combination is known as the tub and tray system

24. Color-Coding Systems
One of the most convenient and efficient ways to organize instruments and supplies for specific procedures:
Instruments with bands of the same color
Tray of the same color
Tub with dental materials of the same color

25. Color-Coding Systems Cont.
Coding of instruments with the use of colored bands on the handle is a common way of organizing instruments.
What are two reasons for using a color-coding system? (Convenience and efficiency)