Which instrument is typically used to carry dental materials to the working area?

The correct choice is spatulas, which are specifically designed to carry and manipulate dental materials. They are typically flat instruments with a wide, smooth blade that makes them ideal for scooping, mixing, and delivering dental materials such as dental cements, impression materials, and other substances to the working area. Their shape allows for precise control when applying materials, ensuring that they can be placed accurately where needed during various dental procedures.

Other instruments listed serve different primary functions. Explorers are used for tactile examination of cavities and other dental surfaces, helping the dentist detect decay or irregularities. Pluggers are designed for compacting dental materials in a cavity preparation, particularly amalgam, but are not used for transporting them. Burnishers are used for smoothing or polishing surfaces of restorative materials after they've been placed. Therefore, spatulas are the most suitable tool for carrying materials to the working area in a dental setting.