Which option is NOT an example of secondary retention forms?

• A. Retention Grooves, Beveled Margins, Slots, Pins
• B. Dovetails
• C. Friction-Fit Pins
• D. Varying Bevels

Answer: (B)

Dovetails are a primary retention form. They’re built into the cavity shape to create a locking, interlocking geometry that resists dislodgement as the amalgam is condensed. That intrinsic lock is what provides primary retention, not an added feature after preparation. The other options—retention grooves, slots, pins (including friction-fit pins), and bevel-related margins—are techniques used to enhance retention after the cavity’s basic shape is established, serving as secondary retention forms by adding undercuts or increasing surface area. So the option that is not a secondary retention form is the dovetail, because it provides the initial, primary lock that holds the restoration in place.