I first qualified as a dental hygienist ten years ago, in July 2001 in Leeds. Since then I have worked in specialist, general and mixed private/NHS dental practices in Yorkshire, London, Surrey and Hampshire. I have developed skills and coping mechanisms for each patient treatment from rapid back-to-back routine appointments, to more involved periodontal treatments.

As all hygienists and therapists know, sharp, fine, strong instruments that get to where they are needed without trauma, or breaking are essential.
There is a move to minimal instrumentation, to 'micro-surgical' techniques, so the finer and sharper, all
the better. I have used instruments from different companies over the years, each with their merits.

I enjoy working with the American Eagle instruments, particularly the 'easy access' Gracey instruments as they reach down deepest pockets. I especially like that they are narrow, so as to be kind, even in tight pockets.
The gold coloured 'XPX' instruments really do stay sharper for longer, so can be relied upon in busy practice to be effective and gentle. The lightness of each instrument aids dexterity, and light touch treatment pressure; preventing trauma to patient and the likelihood of carpel tunnel syndrome for the clinician.

I reckon that the bright cheerful colours are less off-putting to patients, when they see them. The colours stay good and handles look 'fresh' after many cycles in the autoclave. So look clean and more 'friendly' than instruments that mark over time. The colour coding helps me with recognition, although I'm used to looking at the tips, its a quick check to see that the sets are correct for sterilizing, and it helps save time.

– Rachel Hastie, Hygienist