Course Offerings

Sharp Skills: Mastering the Art of Dental Instrument Sharpening

Course ID: DEN-3020T3
Overview
Course Outline
Requirements
Intended Audience
More Details

This 2-hour workforce development course is designed to equip dental professionals with essential knowledge and hands-on skills to maintain the cutting efficiency of dental instruments through proper sharpening techniques. The first hour offers guided instruction covering the principles of sharpening, anatomy of common dental instruments, and safety considerations. The second and third hour is a didactic, hands-on lab where participants will practice sharpening techniques using guided models and real tools.

Maintaining sharp instruments not only improves clinical outcomes but also supports efficiency, tactile sensitivity, ergonomics, and patient comfort. This course is ideal for dental assistants, hygienists, and sterilization technicians seeking to enhance their clinical efficiency and prolong instrument lifespan.

Course Objectives

Identify the parts of common dental instruments (e.g., curettes, scalers) and describe their function in clinical use.

Explain the importance of instrument sharpness for clinical performance, infection control, and occupational safety.

Demonstrate proper hand positioning and motion during the sharpening process using a guided sharpening stone technique.

Distinguish between sharp and dull instruments through tactile and visual inspection and analyze how sharpening angles affect instrument integrity.

Assess the effectiveness of sharpening techniques on instrument performance using standardized tests (e.g., acrylic test stick method).

Construct a personalized maintenance protocol for instrument sharpening and care based on clinic-specific workflows and manufacturer recommendations.

Outline of instruction

Principles of sharpening, anatomy of common dental instruments, and safety considerations

Practice sharpening techniques using guided models and real tools

CEUs

Industry Standard, State or National Certification

Certification

None

Website

None

Certification Learning Outcomes/Requirements

CE or CU Articulation

Prerequisites

None

Text and Supplies Needed

Printed handouts or charts, Sharpening stones and guides, Acrylic test sticks (for sharpness testing), instrument wear chart or photo progression examples, PPE, Blunted dental instruments for sharpening practice:

Gracey curettes (various numbers)
Universal curettes
Sickles or scalers
Surgical curettes
Scissors
Surgical elevators
Carvers