Rubber Dam Forcep Collection

Alongside the clamp forceps, this collection includes the Ainsworth and Ivory rubber dam punch forceps and a size M rubber dam frame.

Which Rubber Dam Instruments Do You Need?

Every instrument in this collection is linked once below by its Zepf number, grouped by job: placing clamps, punching the dam, and holding it taut.

Rubber dam clamp forceps

Zepf No.	Pattern or size
19.037.01	Ivory, jaw width 30 mm, twisted handle

Rubber dam punch forceps

Zepf No.	Pattern or size
19.010.00	Ainsworth
19.015.00	Ivory, stainless, 17 cm, punch disc with 6 holes

Rubber dam frame

Zepf No.	Pattern or size
19.125.00	Frame only, size M, approx. 10 x 9.5 cm

Why Choose a Rubber Dam Forcep?

Effective moisture control is a cornerstone of quality dental treatment. A high-quality Rubber Dam Forcep allows dental professionals to securely grip and position clamps onto teeth with minimal effort, reducing chair time and improving patient comfort. The instrument's beaks are engineered to engage clamp holes accurately, giving the clinician confident, stable handling throughout the procedure.

Key Features

• Precision-engineered beaks for secure clamp engagement
• Ergonomic handles that reduce hand fatigue during extended procedures
• Durable stainless steel construction for long-lasting performance and easy sterilization
• Autoclavable to meet standard clinical infection-control protocols

Choosing the Right Instrument

When selecting a Rubber Dam Forcep, consider the clamp types you work with most frequently, and the handle that suits your technique. This collection offers a curated range of options to meet the needs of general practitioners and specialists alike.

History: Who Invented the Rubber Dam?

The rubber dam was invented in 1864 by Dr. Sanford Christie Barnum (1838–1885), a dentist practicing in New York City. Barnum devised the thin sheet of rubber, stretched over a frame and punctured for a single tooth, to keep saliva out of the operative field — a problem that had limited the reliability of fillings up to that point. Rather than patent the invention for profit, he donated it to the dental profession; the American Dental Association later honored him with a gold medal for "the invention, perfection, introduction, and donation of the Rubber Dam to the Dental Profession." The forceps in this collection exist because Barnum's dam needed a reliable way to seat and remove the clamps that hold it in place — a role they still fill today.

Clinical Use

The Rubber Dam Forcep is used across a wide range of dental procedures including composite restorations, endodontic treatments, crown preparations, and preventive sealant applications. Proper use of this instrument contributes to a clean, isolated operative field, supporting better procedural outcomes and patient safety.

Care and Reconditioning

Clean, disinfect and sterilize between patients. Our Dental Instrument Reprocessing & Sterilization Guide covers the general workflow for Helmut Zepf hand instruments, and our sharpening and reconditioning service realigns and reconditions them when needed.

Compare With

Related Helmut Zepf collections: Articulating Paper Forcep Collection, Dental Composite Instrument Collection, and Endodontic & Root Canal Instruments. For patterns and terminology, see the Restorative Instrument Comparison Chart and Restorative Instrument Glossary.

Technical references: Restorative Instrument Glossary · Helmut Zepf Restorative Instrument Library

FAQ

What is a Rubber Dam Forcep used for? It is used to place and remove rubber dam clamps on teeth during dental procedures that require field isolation.

Are these instruments autoclavable? Yes, instruments in this collection are designed to withstand standard autoclave sterilization cycles.

How do I choose the right Rubber Dam Forcep? Consider handle ergonomics, beak design and the clamp types you use most often.