Which of the following is NOT a component of surgical instruments?

The component that does not belong to the category of surgical instruments is the toothpaste dispenser. Surgical instruments are specifically designed tools used during procedures to perform tasks such as cutting, grasping, holding, and suturing.

Calculus scalers, surgical aspirators, and suture holders each serve a distinct purpose in surgical settings – calculus scalers are used for cleaning teeth and removing deposits, surgical aspirators help in removing fluids from the surgical site, and suture holders assist in the placement and removal of sutures.

In contrast, a toothpaste dispenser is a device unrelated to surgical procedures; it is typically used in dental hygiene settings for dispensing toothpaste rather than in surgical operations. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific functions of instruments used in dental surgeries compared to regular dental hygiene tools.