Dental auxiliaries may not place which type of retraction cords?

The correct answer is that dental auxiliaries may not place epinephrine-impregnated retraction cords. This is due to the fact that epinephrine is a vasoconstrictor, which can potentially lead to cardiovascular complications if improperly administered. Dental auxiliaries, who assist in procedures but may not have the same level of training as a licensed dentist, must operate within their scope of practice and adhere to safety regulations. The use of epinephrine in a procedure should be managed by a licensed dentist who is trained to recognize and respond to any adverse effects that may arise from its use.

In contrast, non-impregnated, metal, and plastic retraction cords do not carry the same risk associated with epinephrine and can typically be utilized by trained dental auxiliaries under proper supervision. These types of cords are generally considered safe and do not introduce the same level of complication risks. Thus, restricting the placement of epinephrine-impregnated cords to licensed dentists ensures patient safety and aligns with ethical medical practice in a dental setting.