A dental tool for use in photo-cured filling processes. The dental tool includes a tool tip formed from a material that allows the transmission of ultraviolet and visible light wavelengths through the tool tip without significant distortion or reflection. The material is also relatively high strength so not to shatter or break during use. The fill material will also not easily adhere to the tool. The material of a preferred embodiment is sapphire. The tool is able to continue to compact and shape the fill material while the composite polymer fill material is undergoing photo-curing. The light beam used for photo-curing is able to safely pass through the tool without the risk of damage to the surrounding tissue from reflection or distortion of the light beam.
