McCall Curette

Which McCall Curette Do You Need?

Pick the McCall pair for the region you treat, or a replacement tip to renew a worn working end; every product in this collection is linked once below.

Complete instruments

Replacement tips (QuickFix)

Key Features

• Curved blade geometry: the 13S/14S for the interdental spaces of front teeth and premolars, the 17S/18S for posterior teeth
• Extended, angled shank for subgingival access and visibility
• Available as double-ended instruments on the ZEPF-bIONIK QuickFix handle and as single replacement tips (McCall 13, 14, 17 and 18)
• Compatible with standard sterilization and autoclave protocols
• Ergonomic handle options to reduce clinician fatigue during extended procedures

Selection and Use

When selecting a McCall Curette, clinicians should consider the specific tooth surfaces to be treated, the depth of periodontal pockets, and personal ergonomic preferences. Proper grasp, fulcrum placement, and working stroke technique are essential for maximizing the effectiveness of the instrument and maintaining patient comfort throughout treatment.

History: Who Invented the McCall Curette?

The McCall Curette bears the name of John Oppie McCall, an American dentist and educator widely regarded as a founding figure of periodontics as a dental specialty in the early twentieth century. Over a long teaching and clinical career, McCall developed a series of area-specific hand instruments and wrote influential periodontal textbooks; his contributions to the field were significant enough that his instruments, papers, and awards were later placed on permanent exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. The curved blade and extended shank that carry his name are still reached for today, for scaling and root planing from the anterior teeth back to the molars.

Clinical Use

The McCall Curette is a staple instrument in both prophylaxis and scaling and root planing procedures. Its blade design enables thorough adaptation to root surfaces, facilitating the removal of tenacious deposits while minimizing trauma to surrounding soft tissue. Dental hygienists and periodontists rely on this instrument for its consistent performance across a range of patient presentations.

Care and Reconditioning

Keep the cutting edges sharp: sharpen in the practice with Zepf sharpening stones and oil, use our sharpening and reconditioning service, or swap the replaceable McCall tips on the QuickFix handle. Our Dental Instrument Reprocessing & Sterilization Guide covers cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of Helmut Zepf hygiene instruments.

Compare With

Related Helmut Zepf collections: McCall 13/14 Universal Curette, McCall 17/18 Universal Curette, Universal Curette, Columbia Universal Curette, Gracey Curette Collection, and Hygiene QuickFix Replaceable Tips. For curette numbering and terminology, see the Hygiene Instrument Comparison Chart, the Gracey Curette Numbers & Types Guide, and the Dental Hygiene Instrument Glossary.

Part of the Scaling & Root Planing Instruments hub. See also our Gracey Curette Numbers & Curette Types Guide.

FAQ

What distinguishes a McCall Curette from other curettes? The McCall Curette features a curved blade and shank design made in area-specific pairs: in this collection the 13S/14S is for the interdental spaces of the front teeth and premolars and the 17S/18S for the posterior teeth.

Is the McCall Curette suitable for deep periodontal pockets? Yes, its extended shank allows access to moderate pocket depths, making it a versatile choice for both maintenance and active periodontal therapy appointments.