DANB General Chairside Practice Test

What type of handpiece can function both forward and backward and accommodate various attachments?

1. High-speed handpiece

2. Low-speed handpiece

3. Laser handpiece

4. Air-driven handpiece

The correct answer is: Low-speed handpiece

The low-speed handpiece is designed to function both forward and backward, which provides versatility in dental procedures. This capability allows dental professionals to perform specific tasks with greater control and precision, accommodating a variety of attachments such as contra-angles and straight attachments that are tailored for different clinical applications. These attachments can be used for polishing, finishing, and various other tasks that require different speeds and torque levels. The ability to switch rotation direction is particularly useful for accessing difficult angles and positions during clinical procedures, enhancing the overall efficiency of dental work. In contrast, high-speed handpieces primarily operate in a single direction at high speeds, typically for procedures like cutting and drilling. Laser handpieces utilize light energy rather than mechanical rotation, and air-driven handpieces, while they may function similarly to low-speed handpieces, do not typically offer the same level of versatility in speed and attachment options.