Mastering Instrument Selection with Beth Parkes RDH, BSc.

Join Beth for a dynamic, hands-on workshop on advanced instrument selection strategies to improve patient care and clinical excellence. Through video demonstrations, interactive case reviews, and guided practice, dental hygienists will learn how to select hand instruments based on anatomy, tissue phenotype, and ergonomics—elevating patient comfort, clinical outcomes, and career longevity.

Learning Objectives:

• Evaluate instrument design characteristics (blade angulation, shank length,

working end) and select appropriate instruments based on specific tooth

anatomy, root morphology, and periodontal pocket depths.

• Develop systematic protocols for instrument selection that consider root

morphology, gingival phenotype, tissue inflammation, and access, to

optimize treatment outcomes while minimizing tissue trauma.

• Implement ergonomic instrument selection criteria that reduce operator

fatigue and musculoskeletal stress while maintaining clinical effectiveness.

• Integrate evidence-based sharpening techniques to maintain cutting

efficiency, extend instrument life, and support consistent, comfortable,

high-level clinical care.

About the Speaker:

Beth Parkes is an engaging international speaker and Registered Dental Hygienist with nearly 20 years of experience. She has developed her clinical expertise through general and independent dental hygiene practice, mobile dental hygiene, orthodontics, and periodontics. Beyond clinical practice, Beth serves as Manager of Clinical Affairs for Curion and is also a writer, speaker, and valued cast member of the dental hygiene talk show The RDH View. In recognition of her contributions to the profession, she received the Ontario Dental Hygienists’ Association Distinguished Service Award in 2023. Her overarching goal is to cultivate future leaders in dental hygiene by equipping them with the knowledge and skills to excel in their careers while helping patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health.