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Universal curette: Barnhart 5/6
Also called: Barnhart 5/6, universal curette
A universal curette with a longer, sturdier blade, handy on molars.
The Barnhart 5/6 is another universal curette. It is similar to the Columbia 13/14 but its blade is longer and stronger, which helps on the side surfaces of molars. Like all universals, both edges cut.
How to spot it
- Same rounded toe, rounded back and two cutting edges as other universals.
- Longer blade than the Columbia 13/14.
What it is used for
- Scaling posterior teeth, including proximal (side) surfaces of molars.
Safety and care
- Critical item (it goes into soft tissue or touches bone): clean it, package it and heat-sterilize it after every patient.
- Sharp working end: carry it point-down in a closed cassette, and never reach blindly into a pile of instruments.
Related
Sources: Hu-Friedy Group. Universal curettes (Columbia 13/14, Barnhart 5/6)