The straight probe: a dental misnomer

P. Hellyer

doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.1032

The straight probe: a dental misnomer

P. Hellyer

Research output: Contribution to journal › Comment/debate › peer-review

Abstract

Most dentists have a 'thingummybob' or a 'whatsit' in their instrument armamentarium, to which their dental nurse is supposed to be able to lay their hand instantly. Usually dental instruments are logically named to avoid this potential source of confusion. However, some instruments are not, of which the straight probe is one example. The straight probe is not logically named, quite simply because it is not straight. It is bent. This paper investigates the anomaly and suggests that a forgotten hero of the profession is responsible for the development of this indispensable instrument.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	1029-1032
Number of pages	4
Journal	British Dental Journal
Volume	225
Issue number	11
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.bdj.2018.1032
Publication status	Published - 14 Dec 2018

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title = "The straight probe: a dental misnomer",

abstract = "Most dentists have a 'thingummybob' or a 'whatsit' in their instrument armamentarium, to which their dental nurse is supposed to be able to lay their hand instantly. Usually dental instruments are logically named to avoid this potential source of confusion. However, some instruments are not, of which the straight probe is one example. The straight probe is not logically named, quite simply because it is not straight. It is bent. This paper investigates the anomaly and suggests that a forgotten hero of the profession is responsible for the development of this indispensable instrument.",

author = "P. Hellyer",

note = "Editor's note: This article was published as part of the 2018 BDJ Christmas issue in the spirit and fun of the festive season. Most of the facts and figures used in this paper are either dubious or wholly made-up. Honorary member of staff so not REF-able. No post-print",

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N1 - Editor's note: This article was published as part of the 2018 BDJ Christmas issue in the spirit and fun of the festive season. Most of the facts and figures used in this paper are either dubious or wholly made-up. Honorary member of staff so not REF-able. No post-print

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N2 - Most dentists have a 'thingummybob' or a 'whatsit' in their instrument armamentarium, to which their dental nurse is supposed to be able to lay their hand instantly. Usually dental instruments are logically named to avoid this potential source of confusion. However, some instruments are not, of which the straight probe is one example. The straight probe is not logically named, quite simply because it is not straight. It is bent. This paper investigates the anomaly and suggests that a forgotten hero of the profession is responsible for the development of this indispensable instrument.

AB - Most dentists have a 'thingummybob' or a 'whatsit' in their instrument armamentarium, to which their dental nurse is supposed to be able to lay their hand instantly. Usually dental instruments are logically named to avoid this potential source of confusion. However, some instruments are not, of which the straight probe is one example. The straight probe is not logically named, quite simply because it is not straight. It is bent. This paper investigates the anomaly and suggests that a forgotten hero of the profession is responsible for the development of this indispensable instrument.

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ER -

The straight probe: a dental misnomer

Abstract

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