National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) Dental Hygienist Practice Test

The face of the curette should be positioned at an angle of 100-110 degrees to the stone while sharpening by hand. This specific angle allows for effective sharpening of the instrument without compromising the blade's integrity. When the curette's face is held at this angle, it enables the sharp edges to be refined properly, which enhances cutting efficiency during dental procedures.

Maintaining the angle within this range assures that the sharpening process is effective for the curved blade of the curette, which is integral in reaching and treating interproximal areas of teeth. Additionally, this angle supports the preservation of the blade's original contour, thereby preventing damage that can occur from inappropriate sharpening angles.

In contrast, other angles such as 50-65 degrees, 75-85 degrees, or 90-100 degrees do not provide the optimal sharpening effect necessary for maintaining the proper functionality of the curette. These angles are either too shallow or not adequately positioned to sharpen the blade effectively, which can lead to wear and tear or ineffective instrument performance.