Now that you know the basics, there is something that you need to know before starting. Though this may be rather simple and insignificant to most but it is actually one of the most important reminders that every bench test takers should bear in mind: Think before you act.

There are students who aggressively and randomly use their handpiece while thinking that by doing such will eventually result to the expectation of what they have in mind. Get this out of your system and instill in yourselves about doing carefully planned steps. In this way, you will create less to no mistakes. Moreover, if there are a few mistakes,it is easier to troubleshoot. Remember that it is very hard to modify the prep when it is already big or that it deviates to the ideal outline form. So before moving that bur, please take note of the following:

1. Stop. Stop stepping the pedal. The tooth is so soft that a small whir of the bur can produce unnecessary cuts and may scratch other surfaces.
2. Visualize. On the tooth, imagine the outline form that you want to achieve. Look into the anatomy of the tooth that influences your outline form. Plot your expected outline form of your tooth and if necessary, plot the entry point of your bur and how and where it should exit afterwards.
3. Hand Rests. Stabilize your handpiece.
4. Rehearse. Without stepping the pedal, glide your bur following your imagined outline form as if you are doing the preparation. Do as many as you can until you have gained “muscle memory”.
5. Step on. With the bur rotating and utilizing proper hand rests, apply what you have rehearsed. As you progress, avoid going back all the way to your entry point because you will just over reduce the walls more.