The straight probe: a dental misnomer

Most dentists have a 'thingummybob' or a 'whatsit' in their instrument armamentarium, to which their dental nurse is supposed to be able to lay their hand instantly. Usually dental instruments are logically named to avoid this potential source of confusion. However, some instruments are not, of which the straight probe is one example. The straight probe is not logically named, quite simply because it is not straight. It is bent. This paper investigates the anomaly and suggests that a forgotten hero of the profession is responsible for the development of this indispensable instrument.