National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the National Dental Assisting Exam with comprehensive quiz questions, including multiple choice and detailed explanations. Equip yourself for success!

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Which type of rotary cutting instrument shank has a groove for locking into a contra angle attachment?

Friction Grip
Latch Type Shank
Straight Shank
Hex Shank

The correct answer is: Latch Type Shank

The latch type shank is specifically designed to lock securely into a contra angle attachment used in dental handpieces. This shank features a small groove or notch that engages with a corresponding lever in the handpiece, ensuring that the rotary instrument is held firmly in place during procedures. This mechanism allows for efficient operation and reduces the risk of the bur becoming dislodged while in use. In dental practice, having a reliable and stable attachment is crucial because the precision required in procedures such as drilling or cutting can be compromised if the instrument shifts. The latch system also facilitates easy removal and exchange of instruments, which is essential in a busy clinical setting. Other types of shanks, while useful in their respective applications, do not provide this specific locking feature. Friction grip shanks rely on friction for retention within a handpiece, straight shanks are used primarily for manual drills without locking mechanisms, and hex shanks fit into handpieces designed for specific attachments without the locking feature found in latch type shanks. Hence, the latch type shank is the correct choice for securing instruments in a contra angle attachment.