How to sharpen dental scalers and curettes

Dental disease is a widespread problem among veterinary patients. Consequently, the practice of dentistry can play a pivotal role in your clinic's cash flow. To keep that crucial segment of medicine and business at its most productive, Fetch dvm360 conference speaker Mary Berg, BS, RVT RLATG, VTS (dentistry), says you need to keep your hand instruments sharpened for maximum efficiency.

To start, here are the materials you'll need: a flat Arkansas stone, a conical stone and sharpening oil. Berg also suggests having an acrylic stick or similar item to confirm the sharpness of the tools.

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• Seven unforgivable sins in veterinary dentistry ... and how to avoid them!
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Berg's method-adapted from “It's About Time,” the classic manual for maintaining human dental tools put out by the Hu-Friedy company-uses the face of a clock to establish angles for sharpening. As she demonstrates, the techniques are quick and easy.

"Realistically, it only takes a few seconds to sharpen your dental instruments if you keep them sharpened on a regular basis," Berg says.

She also points out that if you're not comfortable performing this upkeep on your own, it's possible to send your tools out to be serviced. Just be sure you keep enough instruments on hand for dental appointments scheduled in the meantime.

Watch the video for step-by-step instructions on keeping your scalers and curettes at their most effective.