A dental retractor tool and method for retracting the tongue and/or cheek away from the teeth in an oral cavity is provided. The dental retractor has a shape and configuration that allows for retraction of both the tongue and cheek simultaneously while allowing a dental professional to maintain ergonomically improved posture. The dental retractor can include a neck having a U-shaped bend adapted to fit around a distal portion of a patients tooth. The dental retractor can be located opposite another dental tool, such as a dental examination mirror, to eliminate the need for excessive instruments during a dental procedure.