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Welcome to RDHD

Welcome to Registered Dental Hygienist Development, brought to you by Margaret Newville RDH, MEd. This resource is intended for both dental hygiene students and their faculty. Browse videos demonstrating the basic instrumentation used in beginning scaling techniques. There are also sample images of radiographs to practice identifying normal and abnormal findings. Expansion of RDH Development is in progress so check back frequently!

RDHD News - 11/03/09

Midterms are over so we have reached the half-way point in the semester.

It is important to focus on what you accomplished and not get discouraged by the amount of work that is still to be done. A famous quote to think about is: “Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.” by Abraham Lincoln.

We only have 6 more weeks so “just keep swimming” as a wise Junior once said.

Read old RDHD News.

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Universal Current

The Universal curet is used only for light to moderate calculus. It is not intended for heavy scaling. To determine the correct working end of the Universal curet, use the same visual cues as the explorer. For the posteriors, position the lower shank parallel to the surface you are working on and make the blade wrap for the mesial surfaces. On all areas make sure to insert the blade as close to 0 degrees as possible. Start mesial to the distal line angle; use an exploratory stroke towards the interproximal area until you find calculus. Apply moderate lateral pressure from the base of the pocket up to the contact. Remove the instrument and begin the oblique stroke just distal to the distal line angle along the buccal/lingual surface. Continue around the mesial line angle going to the interproximal area with a vertical stroke. To determine the correct working end for the anteriors, make the handle parallel to the surface you are working on and adapt the blade to wrap around the surface you are intending to scale. Find the midline of the tooth and start just opposite of the surface you are going to scale. Use a vertical exploratory stroke to the interproximal area until you find calculus. Engage moderate lateral pressure to remove the calculus.

Anterior Sickle on Maxillary Facial Surfaces on Patient

This is the anterior sickle 6/7 scaling surfaces to the patient’s left. Always start on the opposite side of the line angle and make sure that the tip is adapted as you go around into the interproximal surface. Use lateral pressure on the pull stroke only and bring the stroke all the way up to the incisal edge. Insert the blade to the base of the pocket only as far as the tissue allows. Have the patient turn as you need to allow better access. Fulcrum on the tooth next to the tooth you are working on.

Sickle 204s on Patient

This is the posterior sickle 204S scaling sextant #4 from the buccal aspect. Lateral pressure is on the pull stroke only going from the base of the pocket up to the contact. Gently manipulate the tissue to the side to produce as productive stroke as possible. Always start from the most distal surface moving toward the anterior part of the sextant.