Many of our applicants ask us what they should buy and from where they should buy them. Occasionally, applicants purchase used items that do not meet their expectations. Therefore, we decided to prepare a list of the must-have items and the ones that are optional or needed for a specific bench test you are invited to.
Air Compressor (must-have)
This is the first item you will need. You do not need a very fancy or expensive compressor. Air compressors operate by compressing atmospheric air to generate potential energy that could be held in a tank for later use. When the tank is small, the compressor needs to build up the pressure more frequently. That means the compressor has to run for longer periods. Therefore, it makes more noise. Purchasing a large compressor, on the other hand, is pricey, and they can be very heavy. We recommend applicants to get oil-free compressors with at least 5-gal and no bigger than 10-gal tanks.
If you live in an apartment, the compressor should not be too loud. A noise level of 60 dBA or less is preferable. So, you may consider buying a quiet portable air compressor. However, if you live in a house, you may buy a pancake compressor with a hose which is louder (higher dBA) but less expensive.
Air Compressor Accessories (must-have)
To connect the turbine unit, you will require the following attachments if they are not included with the compressor. It is important to ensure that the attachments you choose are suitable for your specific compressor and turbine unit models. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult a professional if you are unsure about the appropriate attachments to use.
- 3/8″ Air hose (50 feet) or (1oo ft)
- 1/4″ FNPT female coupler on Amazon
- 1/4″ Quick-connect FNPT female plug on Amazon
- 1/4″ to 3/16″ Adapter fitting on Amazon
- Sealant tape on Amazon
Turbine Unit (must-have)
To operate the handpiece, you need a turbine unit to connect to the compressor. Your turbine unit should be compatible with the handpiece that you have
High-speed Handpiece (must-have)
A professional-grade handpiece set that lasts for years can be costly. Buying a few off-brand handpieces rather than a pro set will save you money. If you have your own handpiece from your practice, you may need to buy an adapter to connect it to the turbine unite. If you are buying handpiece in the U.S., you may want to consider buying handpieces with LED lights that help you with your preparations.
If your old handpiece is not compatible with the turbine unit:
Burs (must-have)
Different preparations will require different types of burs. Make sure you buy enough of each type, especially the carbide burs, because they become dull after multiple use and should be replaced.
- FG 330 Carbide Bur on eBay (x50)
- FG 245 Carbide Bur on eBay (x50)
- FG 57 Carbide Bur on eBay
- FG 556 Carbide Bur on eBay
- 847KR-016 (C) Diamond Bur on eBay (x10)
- 8847KR-016 (F) Diamond Bur on eBay (x5)
- 856-016 (C) Diamond Bur on eBay (x10)
- 8856-016 (F) Diamond Bur on eBay (x5)
- 859-010 (C) Diamond Bur on eBay (x10)
- 878K-012 (C) Diamond Bur on eBay (x10)
- 379-014 (C) Diamond Bur on eBay (x5)
- 379-014 (F) Diamond Bur on eBay (x5)
- 877-010 (C) Diamond Bur on eBay (x10)
- 8877-010 (F) Diamond Bur on eBay (x5)
- KS-0 Diamond Bur on eBay
- KS-0F Diamond Bur on eBay
- FG 7901 Carbide Bur on eBay
- Pointed white stone (Polishing bur) on eBay
Note: It is possible that not all of the above burs will be necessary for every bench test. On the other hand, it is strongly suggested that you have enough of each item to practice for every bench test.
Typodonts (must-have)
Some schools use Columbia typodonts, some use Kilgore, and others use Acadental. Because the teeth material and contacts on each typodont are unique, it is essential to hone your skills on the actual typodont that will be used in the bench test for that particular program.
For each typodont, you can buy a genuine one (it is made by the brand company, the quality and price are higher) or a generic one (it is made by off-brand companies, the quality and price are lower). Everyone budget is different so we give you options for both genuine and generic items.
- Columbia 860 series typodonts (genuine or generic on Amazon)
- Kilgore Nissin (genuine or generic on Amazon)
- Acadental ModuPRO One (M300) (genuine or used on eBay)
Mounting Pole (must-have)
You also need to mount your typodont to this pole in order to attach to a table or desk. You can purchase one from Amazon or eBay.
Teeth (must-have)
To get the most out of your practice, stock up on teeth and be sure to have the proper ones for your practice typodonts.
Other Instruments (must-have)
- Dental mirror on Amazon
- Dental explorer on Amazon
- Dental probe on Amazon
- Enamel hatchet 17/18 (10-6-14) on AG Store
- Mesial margin trimmer MT29 on AG Store
- Distal margin trimmer MT28 on AG Store
- Egg burnisher on eBay
- Diamond Cleaning Stone on AG Store
Dental Loupes (optional)
You may want to buy dental loupes for practicing for bench test. You may also take them to the test session. Please note, after your acceptance, you will buy professional loupes for a few thousand dollars. But for now, let’s save money.
Composite Restoration (optional)
Some schools may ask for a composite restoration in the bench test. In this case, you need to get a composite gun, composite capsules, and some other instruments as follows.
- Composite gun on Amazon
- Composite capsules on eBay
- Composite condenser and paddle on Amazon
- Bonding agent on eBay
- Micro brush on eBay
- Curing light on Amazon
- Dental lab safety glasses on Amazon
Composite Polishing Kit (optional)
- Composite polishing cups & points on Amazon or eBay
- Composite polishing cups, discs, & points on eBay
- Composite polishing discs on eBay
- Rubber polishing wheel on Amazon
Amalgam Restoration (optional)
Some schools may ask for an amalgam restoration in the bench test. In this case, you need to get an amalgamator, amalgam capsules, and the hand instruments. You may not need more than 50 capsules for practice, so do not buy too many.
Matrix Systems (optional)
- Tofflemire band on eBay
- Tofflemire retainer on eBay
- Wooden wedges on eBay
- Garrison clamps (one blue and one orange) on eBay
- Garrison plier on eBay
- Garrison wedges on eBay
Scrubs (optional)
The majority of programs require applicants to wear scrubs for the bench test. Therefore, you may want to buy one or two sets. You may also choose to purchase anti-wrinkle FIGS scrubs. They are more expensive but durable enough to be worn in dental school.
- Scrub set for Women on Amazon
- Anti-wrinkle FIGS scrub top for Women on Amazon
- Anti-wrinkle FIGS scrub pants for Women on Amazon
- Scrub set for Men on Amazon
- Anti-wrinkle FIGS scrub top for Men on Amazon
- Anti-wrinkle FIGS scrub pants for Men on Amazon
Business Attire (optional)
Some programs schedule the interview on the same day as the bench test. For these programs, you may wear a formal attire all day or if possible, switch to scrubs for the dexterity test. While everyone’s tastes and colors differ, we recommend wearing black, gray, or navy suits.
Note: this post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission from qualifying purchases. at no extra cost to you.
