(A). 25° to 45°
(B). 45° to 60°
(C). 60° to 80°
(D). 90° to 120°
- For insertion of the working end into the sulcus/pocket, position the face as flat against the tooth surface as possible (0-40°).
- For scaling, the face of the instrument is at 45-90° with an ideal angle of 60-80° from the tooth surface. Angles smaller than 45° will burnish hard deposits.
- For soft tissue curettage, the angle should be greater than 90° and the cutting edge is directed towards the lining of the pocket.
Answer: (C). 60° to 80°
We just learned about the optimal angles for removal of deposits. What other “angles” do you need to remember on the topic of instrumentation for the dental hygiene board exams (NBDHE, NDHCE, CSCE, CDCA, WREB)?
When sharpening, an internal angle of 70° to 80° for both curettes and scalers should be achieved (internal angle refers to the angle between the face and the lateral surfaces). This creates an angle from face of the curette/scaler to stone of 100° to 110° (visible angle).
Make sure you read the question carefully. In this case, you are asked about the “removal of deposits” and not sharpening. Either way, you honestly could have guessed correctly that 60-80° applies to both situations. But let’s take this time to remember the 3 types of angulations related to instrumentation for the Dental Hygiene Board Exam (NBDHE, NDHCE, CDCA, WREB).
This is all theory, but using this knowledge in the clinic will help you be the exceptional dental hygienist (and student) every patient wants to be with! Wish you all the best in your school and clinical exams, and of course, the dental hygiene boards.
ClaireJ@StudentRDH.com is the best way to reach me and my team
Mini Boards Reviews for the National + Local Anesthesia Dental Hygiene Boards. Weekly Sample Questions at www.StudentRDH.com. Find COMPLETE review courses too. “I wish I did not spend money on other review courses!” – Bethany, Bergen CC, March 2016