National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What is the easiest way to remove impression material that has set on the spatula?

1. Soaking it in warm water

2. Peeling it off

3. Scraping it with a knife

4. Using a solvent solution

The correct answer is: Peeling it off

Peeling off the impression material from the spatula is effective because many types of impression materials, especially those made from silicone or polyether, are designed to have a somewhat elastic nature once set. This elasticity allows them to be removed without damaging the spatula itself. When peeling, the user can leverage this characteristic, which often enables a clean removal of the set material. While soaking in warm water can soften some materials, it may not always be effective for all types of impression materials, and it can lead to mess. Using a knife for scraping might be too aggressive and can potentially damage the spatula. Solvent solutions can be specific to certain materials, but they may not be readily available or suitable for every situation, plus they can involve handling chemicals that require precautions. In summary, peeling off the material is straightforward and typically effective, as it does not rely on potential damage to the spatula or the inconsistency of various methods that might not universally apply to all types of impression materials.