What hand does a dental assistant typically use to deliver and retrieve instruments when assisting a right-handed dentist?

A dental assistant typically uses the left hand to deliver and retrieve instruments when assisting a right-handed dentist. This approach allows the assistant to maintain a clear and unobstructed workspace for the dentist, ensuring that tools and materials can be handed off efficiently without interrupting the dentist's line of sight or workflow.

Using the left hand also aligns with the hand dominance of the dentist, who will generally be working with their right hand. When instruments are delivered with the left hand, they can be easily placed into the right hand of the dentist. This method promotes a smooth transfer of instruments, facilitating an effective and streamlined procedure.

The option that suggests using the right hand is not suitable because it would interfere with the dentist's dominant hand, potentially causing awkward movements and interruptions. The recommendation to use both hands implies unnecessary complexity and could hinder the flow of the procedure, while stating that neither hand is used is inconsistent with the practical realities of chairside assistance.