HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

What is a cassette used for in dentistry?

1. Storing dental tools

2. Holding x-ray films during exposure

3. Transporting patient records

4. Displaying dental images

The correct answer is: Holding x-ray films during exposure

In dentistry, a cassette serves a specific purpose related to the imaging process. It is designed to hold x-ray films during exposure to ensure that the films are positioned correctly and protected from light. The cassette provides a stable environment that affects the quality of the x-ray images obtained. This containment is vital because improper alignment or exposure could lead to suboptimal diagnostic images. The other options, while having their own importance in dental practice, do not accurately reflect the primary function of a cassette. Storing dental tools and transporting patient records involve different types of equipment and organization, while displaying dental images pertains to other methods such as digital screens or traditional mounts, rather than the use of a cassette.