A safety head bur with a working end with cutting and/or grinding head, a shaft, and a transition zone, which safety head bur provides enhanced safety when used. The cutting and/or grinding head is adapted to cut and/or grind, and has a rearmost diameter. A shaft is attached to the working end. A transition zone extends rearwardly from the rearmost diameter of the working end to a smaller diameter where the transition zone meets the shaft.