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General product information for lab, clinic and supply staff. This page describes products and general use; it is not medical advice or a procedure guide.
Short answer
A sickle scaler is a dental hand instrument with two cutting edges that meet at a pointed tip and a pointed back surface, giving a triangular cross-section. The manufacturer Hu-Friedy describes it as designed for removing supragingival calculus, meaning deposits on the tooth above the gum margin (checked 2026-10-31).
What a sickle scaler is
Hu-Friedy’s product page describes sickle scalers as having “two cutting edges that meet at a pointed tip with a back surface that is pointed, giving a triangular cross-section,” and says the blade and cutting edges “may be straight or curved.” The same page states the instrument is “designed for the removal of supragingival calculus.”
For the broader family of hand and ultrasonic scalers, including FDA classification and aerosol considerations, see the CASRAI guide to the dental scaler. This page covers only what is specific to the sickle design.
Anterior and posterior types
Hu-Friedy lists sickle scalers in two groups, distinguished by the shank (the angled neck joining handle to blade): straight shanks for anterior teeth, and contra-angle or modified shanks for posterior teeth. The straight-bladed form is described on that page as “also known as a Jacquette Scaler.”
The following model names are those used in that one manufacturer’s catalogue, and other makers use their own numbering.
| Group | Models named by Hu-Friedy |
|---|---|
| Anterior | Nevi 1, Nevi 1/H5, H5/33, H6/H7, 30/33 Jacquette, 0/00 Morse, 137, U15/30 Towner-Jacquette, U15/33 Towner-Jacquette |
| Posterior | 204 IUFW, 204S, 204SD, Nevi 2, Nevi 3, Nevi 4, 31/32 Jacquette, 34/35 Jacquette, 135 |
Sickle scaler and curette
A sickle is usually listed next to the curette, the other common hand scaling instrument. Their designs differ; see the CASRAI guide to the dental curette for universal and Gracey patterns.
Where it matters for lab, clinic and supply staff
Because naming varies, a few labelling points are worth confirming against the product’s own documentation when reading a catalogue or specification:
- Whether the shank is described for anterior or posterior teeth.
- Whether the blade is straight or curved, and whether the maker also calls the straight form a Jacquette scaler.
- Which model code the maker uses, since codes such as 204S or Nevi 2 are manufacturer-specific.
For related set-up and cleaning equipment, see the guides to the dental tray and the dental ultrasonic cleaner.
Common misunderstandings
- “Sickle” and “Jacquette” can name the same form. Hu-Friedy’s page lists the straight-bladed sickle as also known as a Jacquette scaler.
- Model numbers are universal. They are not: the numbers above come from one manufacturer’s catalogue.
FAQ
What is a sickle scaler?
A dental hand instrument with two cutting edges meeting at a pointed tip and a pointed back, giving a triangular cross-section. Hu-Friedy states it is designed for the removal of supragingival calculus.
What is the difference between a sickle scaler and a curette?
They are different instrument designs. A sickle has two cutting edges meeting at a pointed tip with a pointed back (triangular cross-section). Curette patterns are covered in the dental curette guide.
What do anterior and posterior mean for a sickle scaler?
They describe the shank: Hu-Friedy lists straight shanks for anterior teeth and contra-angle or modified shanks for posterior teeth.
Sources
- Hu-Friedy, “Scalers and Curettes – Sickle”: https://www.hufriedygroup.com/scalers/sickle (checked 2026-10-31).
