Modified Pen Grasp

Index and Thumb

Placement= On the instrument

Function= Hold the instrument

Middle Finger

Placement= Rests lightly on the shank

Function= Helps to guide the working-end

Ring Finger

Placement= On oral structure; often a tooth surface

Function= Stabilizes the hand for control and strength

Little Finger

Placement= Near ring finger, held in a natural, relaxed manner

Function= Has no function in the grasp

Handle

the part of a periodontal instrument used for holding the instrument

Shank

A rod shaped length of metal located between the handle and the working end of a dental instrument. the shank is an extension device that increases the length of the instrument so that the working end can be positioned on the tooth root.

Working End

The part of the dental instrument that does the work of the instrument. The working end begins where the instrument shank ends.