Dental Syringe

The dental assistant is often responsible for preparing the anesthetic syringe for use by the operator (i.e., the dentist or hygienist).

When assembling a syringe, always wear gloves and protective eyewear, keep the needle sterile, and use care to avoid needlesticks. Keep the needle pointed away from yourself at all times.

Needles are capped on two sides. Unlock the cap from the shortest side, holding the sharp end away from you. Screw this side of the needle into the hub of the syringe. Then, holding the syringe in one hand, insert an anesthetic cartridge into the syringe. At the same time use the other hand to pull back on the plunger, making room for the cartridge. Always keep the patient side of the needle capped and sterile at all times.