An oropharyngeal airway for use during diagnostic and surgical procedures, comprising a body with a proximal and a distal end. The distal end is sized for insertion through a protective bite block disposed in a patient's mouth. Both sides of the distal end are tapered to a curved distal edge. A flange is transversely opposed at the proximal end, preventing the proximal end from moving through the protective bite block and into the patient's mouth. An elliptically-arched channel in the shape of a lingual contour extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The channel includes a pair of tapered upstanding walls that guide the passage of a surgical instrument through the space between them. The oropharyngeal airway can be constructed of recyclable or biodegradable materials and is compatible with protective bite blocks of all sizes.
