What tool is used in the placement and removal of the dental dam clamp?

The dental dam clamp is designed to secure the dental dam in place around the tooth, and it requires a specific tool for both placement and removal to ensure efficiency and safety. Forceps are the appropriate tool for this purpose because they are designed to grasp, manipulate, and apply pressure to objects, which is vital when handling the clamp. This tool allows for precise control when positioning the clamp onto the tooth, ensuring a snug fit, and just as importantly, it facilitates the safe removal of the clamp without damaging the surrounding tissues or dental dam.

Other tools listed, such as scissors, spatulas, and excavators, serve different functions in dental procedures. Scissors are typically used for cutting materials, spatulas may be for mixing or applying dental materials, and excavators are used for removing decay or debris from the tooth. They don't provide the necessary grip or design to effectively and safely place or remove a dental dam clamp, highlighting why forceps are the correct choice in this scenario.