HOSA Dental Science Practice Exam

The prophy angle slow-speed handpiece is specifically designed for polishing teeth primarily during dental prophylaxis procedures. This handpiece typically attaches to a disposable prophy cup or brush, which holds abrasive polishing paste. As the handpiece operates at a lower speed, it allows the dental hygienist or dentist to carefully and safely polish the surface of the teeth, removing plaque, stains, and debris to leave a smooth, shiny finish. This is an essential part of maintaining oral health, as it helps prevent the buildup of tartar and improves the appearance of the teeth.

In contrast, a surgical electrical handpiece is primarily used for performing surgical procedures, including cutting or removing hard tissues. An electric handpiece unit is versatile but is typically utilized for cutting and drilling hard tissues rather than polishing. The air abrasion unit uses a stream of air and abrasive particles to remove decay but is not designed specifically for polishing teeth. Each of these has distinct functions, making the prophy angle slow-speed handpiece the ideal choice for tooth polishing.