No matter what type of procedure the dentist
 is about to perform---amalgam restoration, root canal, or even oral surgery--he must also perform preliminary procedures. In order to check the condition of the patient's oral cavity and to see if any changes have taken place since the last visit, he conducts a basic dental examination. Secondly, the dentist
 will need to administer an anesthetic prior to most restorative or surgical procedures. The equipment, materials, and instruments used during an examination or used for administering anesthesia are the topics for discussion in this lesson. Your primary goal is to facilitate the treatment of patients, as a dental specialist. Have the proper basic examination instruments ready and the anesthesia items assembled for use will result in overall decreased chair time, help allay patient apprehension, and provide for quicker and more efficient treatment. As a quick reference, the items in a typical setup are listed in Annex A.