HESI General Chairside Assisting Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a tongue blade during dental procedures?

1. To retract the tongue

2. To apply local anesthesia

3. To check for hard tissue cavities

4. To mix dental cement

The correct answer is: To retract the tongue

The primary purpose of a tongue blade during dental procedures is to retract the tongue. This tool is specifically designed to keep the tongue out of the way to provide better visibility and access to the oral cavity for the dentist or dental hygienist. By retracting the tongue, it helps prevent the patient from accidentally biting their tongue and allows the dental professional to perform procedures more safely and efficiently. While other options might appear relevant in a broader clinical context, they do not accurately represent the function of a tongue blade. For instance, applying local anesthesia typically requires a syringe and needle, checking for hard tissue cavities involves examination tools like explorers or radiographs, and mixing dental cement requires a spatula or similar instrument designed for accurate mixing. Each of these tasks relies on different tools tailored for specific purposes in dental care, reinforcing why retraction of the tongue is the primary function of the tongue blade.