DANB General Chairside Practice Test

What type of supply is a curing light used in the treatment room classified as?

1. Expendable

2. Consumable

3. Nonexpendable

4. Disposable

The correct answer is: Nonexpendable

A curing light is classified as a nonexpendable supply because it is a durable item that is not consumed during use and can be reused multiple times. Nonexpendable supplies are typically equipment or instruments that, while they may require maintenance or periodic replacement of parts, can last for a considerable period of time and provide long-term value in a dental practice. In contrast, expendable items are those that can be used up and need to be replenished frequently, like cotton rolls or gloves. Consumable supplies denote items like dental materials that are used up during a procedure, such as impression materials or dental cements. Disposable supplies refer to items that are designed for one-time use and then discarded, often for reasons of hygiene and infection control, such as needles or syringes. Understanding the classification of supplies helps dental professionals manage inventory and costs effectively while ensuring proper equipment usage in patient care.