HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

A dental tool designed for grasping small objects and features beaks with a rounded end is known as?

1. Hemostat

2. Howe pliers

3. Scalpel

4. Dental forceps

The correct answer is: Howe pliers

Howe pliers are specifically designed for grasping small objects and have distinctive beaks that feature a rounded end. This design allows for a secure grip on various dental materials, as well as for manipulating objects like dental rubber dam clamps and other small components used in dental procedures. Their versatility makes them essential in many dental practices, providing both functionality and precision in handling small items without damaging them. In contrast, hemostats are typically used to control bleeding or to hold tissue, and they feature locking mechanisms instead of rounded beaks. A scalpel is a surgical knife used for cutting tissues rather than grasping objects, while dental forceps are designed specifically for extracting teeth and have a different design focused on gripping larger structures.