Matsuda, S. A. (2012).

The dynamics of pressure: Implementing the correct

force for the task at hand will help clinicians improve outcomes and
reduce injury. Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 10(9). 36; 38-39.
There are many different forces of pressure used in instrumentation.
There is pressure applied to the grasping fingers, fulcrum pressure and
lateral pressure. These different types of pressure are used when
implementing different scaling types. There are times when light pressure is
used, for instance, during an exploratory stroke. Lateral force is applied
during a working stroke. The fulcrum is used in many ways such as outside of
the mouth and inside of the mouth. There are also different pressures to use
when fulcruming. Light pressure is used when exploring or probing and firm
pressure is applied when scaling. Not using the correct pressure and scaling
strokes can result in injury to the dental hygienist, burnishing of calculus and
inadequate calculus removal.
This article affects me tremendously. I have been working very hard on
the pressure that I exert while scaling. It helps put into perspective the
different pressures needed when performing different tasks. I agree with the
information present. I think it is crucial to realize that you can perform light
pressure exploratory strokes with Universal and Gracey instruments. I
learned that applying different types of pressure and using different finger
strokes can affect your ergonomics. Using pressure when it is not necessary
can cause strain on the hand and fingers. This content relates to everything

we learn about instrumentation. I found it hard to realize the different types

of strokes used instrumenting. Exploring, probing and removing calculus are
all completely different tasks and involve different grasps, fulcrums and
pressures.