Master HOSA Dental terminology with interactive quizzes and multiple-choice questions. Study with confidence and enhance your ability for exam success and knowledge expansion. Prepare effectively and achieve your certification goals.

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What materials do rotary burs and stones have on their tips?

  1. Plastic or rubber

  2. Diamond or carbide

  3. Stainless steel only

  4. Aluminum or copper

The correct answer is: Diamond or carbide

The tips of rotary burs and stones are primarily made from diamond or carbide due to their exceptional hardness and durability, which are essential for effective dental procedures. Diamond burs have a fine grit suitable for cutting, polishing, and shaping surfaces, particularly when dealing with hard tissues like enamel or dental materials. Carbide burs, on the other hand, are known for their efficiency in cutting and are often used in a variety of applications, from basic cavity preparation to more complex restorative procedures. Using materials like plastic or rubber would not provide the necessary strength required for the rigorous demands of dental procedures. Stainless steel is used for some types of dental instruments but is not as effective as diamond or carbide when it comes to rotary burs and stones, which need to withstand high speeds and resist wear. Likewise, aluminum or copper are not appropriate for this purpose due to their insufficient hardness and durability in dental applications. Therefore, the combination of diamond and carbide is the ideal choice for these tools, making it the correct answer.