According to one example, an instrument retaining element for a dental tray for use in a dental surgical procedure is disclosed. The retaining element can have a first portion defining a plurality of receptacles therein. The plurality of receptacles configured to receive a first shank section of a plurality of dental surgical instruments. The first portion defines a first part of a channel that communicates with two or more of the plurality of receptacles. The retaining element can have a second portion connected to the first portion and having a U-shape in cross-section. The second portion defines a second part of the channel that communicates with the first part of the channel and the plurality of receptacles. The second part of the channel can be configured to elastically expand to receive and retain a second shank section of the plurality of dental surgical instruments.
