FAQs
ErgoSharp
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to sharpen dental hygiene instruments?
A: The best approach is using a sharpening stone at a consistent 110-degree angle. ErgoSharp provides real-time LED feedback to confirm you're holding the correct angle. This builds muscle memory for precise, repeatable sharpening on curettes, scalers, and other instruments.
Q: How often should dental hygienists sharpen their instruments?
A: Instruments should be sharpened regularly — ideally after every few patients or whenever you notice decreased cutting efficiency. With ErgoSharp, chairside sharpening takes only a few strokes, making it practical to maintain sharp edges throughout the day rather than waiting for a batch sharpening session.
Q: Why is instrument sharpening important for dental hygienists?
A: Dull instruments require significantly more lateral pressure during scaling, which contributes to hand fatigue and wrist strain. Sharp instruments glide through calculus with less force, reducing strain on your hands and supporting better patient care.
Q: What angle should I sharpen dental curettes and scalers?
A: The standard sharpening angle for curettes and scalers is 110 degrees. Maintaining this angle consistently is the most difficult part of manual sharpening. ErgoSharp's LED technology lights up when you hit the correct angle, so you know when you're holding it.
Q: How does LED feedback improve instrument sharpening?
A: ErgoSharp's LED system provides immediate visual confirmation that your sharpening angle is correct. When the instrument contacts the stone at 110 degrees, the lights activate. This real-time feedback helps you build muscle memory and get consistent results across all instruments and all team members.
Q: Will it work with my sharpening stone?
A: ErgoSharp works with most flat stones, such as Arkansas stones, blue and white stones, and diamond cards.
Q: Which instruments can I sharpen with it?
A: You can sharpen any instrument designed with a 110° angle between the edge and the face, such as Gracey curettes, universal curettes and sickle scalers. You can even sharpen spoon-shaped instruments, as Deb demonstrates here.
Q: How does it attach to my stone?
A: ErgoSharp attaches with the gel pads supplied with every purchase. The pads are reusable, washable and long-lasting. For oiled stones or whetstones, use the rubber bands, also included. You can watch our video on the gel pads and setting up your ErgoSharp here.
Q: How do I charge it, and how long does a charge last?
A: Charge ErgoSharp with the supplied USB cord from any standard USB power port. A red light shows while it charges and turns off when charging is complete. A full charge typically lasts 1–2 weeks of normal clinical use.
Q: Can dental hygiene students learn to sharpen instruments on their own?
A: Students can practice on their own between lab sessions, as part of their program. Purchase of the ErgoSharp Sharpening System includes access to three self-guided online training modules: Sharpening Universal Curettes, Sharpening Gracey Curettes, and Sharpening Sickle Scalers. The LED feedback shows immediately whether you're holding the correct angle. The modules are educational tools: they do not replace clinical instruction and are meant to be used alongside your program's clinical education and faculty oversight.
Q: Why won't my ErgoSharp lights stay on?
A: Maintaining a 110-degree angle when sharpening takes practice. The ErgoSharp will help you build muscle memory to do this correctly. If you feel your device is defective, please visit our support page — we're here to help!
Q: Can I sterilize my ErgoSharp?
A: No – full sterilization (sterilizer, autoclave, cold solution, etc.) will damage the ErgoSharp! Only disinfect ErgoSharp by wiping it down between patients. The device is made to tolerate wiping, but do not saturate the surface. Damage from sterilization will not be covered under warranty.
Q: Do I throw my gel pad away after each use?
A: No — the gel pad is intended to be reused. The gel pad should be washed at the end of each day with warm soapy water, rinsed, and left to dry on the ErgoSharp. If needed, you can purchase additional gel pads in our store.
Q: Can the gel pad be used with a whetstone or oiled stone?
A: No — the gel pad is not designed to be used with a whetstone or lubrication oil. The rubber band option, which comes with your device, is designed for this use.
Q: Does ErgoSharp need calibration?
A: No calibration is required. Each device is self-calibrated.
Q: What is the ErgoSharp return and refund policy?
A: Unused products can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of delivery. Used products can be returned within 30 days of delivery for a refund less a $50 restocking fee. After 30 days, products can be returned only if defective, under our one-year Product Warranty; we pay to ship the replacement back to you. The customer is responsible for return shipping costs. To start a return or warranty claim, email customersupport@ergosharp.com. Full details: Refund Policy.
Q: How does ErgoSharp ship orders?
A: In the US, shipping is free and orders ship by USPS. To Canada, the standard option is Economy International (USPS and Canada Post) at a flat USD $21.50. UPS options are also offered at checkout, with live rates by delivery speed. Checkout does not add Canadian taxes: GST/HST (plus PST or QST where it applies) and any carrier fees are paid by the buyer on delivery. Delivery times are estimates and not guaranteed. Full details: Shipping Policy.
Q: What payment methods does ErgoSharp accept?
A: We accept major credit and debit cards, processed securely through Shopify Payments.
Q: Can I get help with the ErgoSharp training?
A: Absolutely! We're here to help you be successful; please reach out to us on our support page.