instrument sharpening

which hand sharpens the instrument?

dominant hand

where is the tip/toe faced?

towards or away from clinician

where is the stone held?

3 minutes after 12 o’clock

what kind of stroke should your final stroke be?

downwards

for double bladed instruments, where is the terminal shank positioned?

at 12 o’clock

for area specific curets, where is the terminal shank positioned?

at 3 minutes before 12 o’clock

what are the steps of sharpening an instrument?

1. assemble armamentarium

2. evaluate sharpness

3. select instrument and cutting edge

4. hold and position the instrument

5. tilt terminal shank appropriately

6. position stone

7. apply controlled strokes

8. round curet toes

9. reevaluate sharpness

10. clean and sterilize