PPT 6 Dental Hygiene Instrument Overview and Instrument Design Features

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms and concepts from the lecture notes on dental hygiene instruments.

Handle

Part of the dental instrument held in the hand; varies in weight and diameter and can be solid or hollow to affect fatigue and tactile sensitivity.

Shank

The portion between the handle and the working end; reflects the instrument’s intent and can be long/short, straight/curved, and rigid/flexible.

Working End

The portion of the instrument that contacts the tooth; may be wire-like, rod-like, or blade and can be single-ended, double-ended, or mirrored-ended.

Terminal Shank

The section of the shank closest to the working end; helps determine the correct working end to use.

Functional Shank

The part of the shank between the terminal shank and the working end; influences reach and adaptation.

Straight Shank

A shank that does not bend away from the instrument’s long axis.

Curved Shank

A shank with one or more bends to adapt to curved tooth surfaces.

Rigid Shank

A shank that remains stiff and resists bending during use.

Flexible Shank

A shank that can bend slightly to enhance tactile feedback.

Larger Diameter Handle

A heavier, thicker handle that decreases fatigue, increases tactile sensitivity, and reduces CTD (cumulative trauma disorder) risk.

Knurled (Textured) Handle

A textured handle design that reduces slipping and trauma, increases tactile sensitivity, and lowers CTD risk.

Purpose of Varied Handle Sizes

Different hand sizes and grips require varied handles to fit comfortably and reduce fatigue.

Three Parts of Instrument

Handle, Shank, and Working End—the three fundamental components.

Double-ended

An instrument with two different working ends for different functions.

Single-ended

An instrument with a single working end.

Mirrored-ended

A double-ended instrument whose ends are oriented as mirror images.

Balanced Instrument

An ergonomic instrument in which the working end is centered on the long axis of the handle, promoting even weight distribution.

Terminal Shank and Working End Choice

The orientation and length of the terminal shank help identify which working end to use on a given tooth surface.

Instrument Identification

Three components used to identify an instrument: classification, design name, and design number.

Classification

The broad category of an instrument—Examination or Treatment.

Design Name

The name given to the instrument’s design.

Design Number

A numeric code assigned to the instrument design.

Examination Instruments

Instruments used for examination: Mirror, A/W syringe, Probe, and Explorer.

Treatment Instruments

Instruments used for calculus removal and polishing: Sickle scalers, Curets (Universal and Area Specific), Hoes, Files, Chisels, Ultrasonic scalers, and Polishers (motor-driven and air-powder).

Mirror

An examination instrument used for indirect vision, retraction, and illumination.

A/W Syringe

Air/Water syringe used during instrumentation for drying and rinsing.

Probe

A periodontal probe used to measure pocket depths and assess gingival health.

Explorer

A wire-like instrument used to detect calculus, irregularities, and tooth surface texture.

Sickle Scaler

A curved-blade instrument used to remove calculus, typically from supragingival surfaces.

Curets

Curved-blade instruments used for scaling and root planing; include Universal and Area-Specific types.

Hoes

Chisel-like instruments used for calculus removal, often on coronal surfaces.

Files

Rasp-like instruments used to crush or smooth calculus during treatment.

Chisels

Bladed instruments used for calculus removal; less common in modern routine hygiene practice.

Ultrasonic Scalers

Instruments that use high-frequency vibrations to disrupt and remove calculus.

Polishers

Motor-driven and air-powder polishers used to finish and smooth tooth surfaces.

Evolution Timeline – 1728

Pierre Fauchard designed scaling instruments in France.

Evolution Timeline – 1832

James Snell of London published a scaling guide.

Evolution Timeline – 1906

Dr. Alfred Fones began training to scale and polish teeth.

Evolution Timeline – 1913

The first Dental Hygiene school opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut.