Question:

I suppose getting an answer to this is a long-shot, but here goes ... for years I've used a certain dental tool for hobby purposes, but now it has broken and I'd like to replace it with as close to the original as possible. Here's what it says on the handle:

"MADE BY STAR-DENT IN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA STARLITE WJ1 SCL."

I did a search on "Star-Dent" and found nothing. (Actually there's no dash in the name; there's a five-pointed star where I put a dash).

Is "WJ1 SCL." a universal designation of a tool type? And if so, can someone recommend an online retailer that I could buy from?


Answer:

Well, we don't use tools, mechanics do.

Dentists use instruments.

Am just guessing here but suspect that you have a Jacquette Scaler.

Can you send a picture of it?

Your friendly dentist may be able to help you procure a new one. Don't know if dental supply will sell to a non dentist.

Star Dental was bought by Dental EZ http://www.dentalez.com/star/handinst.htm

There is a picture at the top of the page. Does it look something like that? Single or Double ended instrument?

Look here too, has one picture http://www.darbydental.com/scripts/ProdPage.asp?grp=WEBC2566

You can get one for a couple of dollars on eBay ...... why not take a nice photo of your tool and post it and we can comment ....

Don't know why not; dental tools have lots of valid uses. For example; my wife (a non-dentist) has been using such tools for decades in the dental lab. Back in 19&#, I (a non-dentist) was hired by the Burroughs Corporation as a "field engineer" (AKA adding machine repairman). Some of my most useful tools came straight from the dental supply house.

Saw a guy get chewed out by a proffesor in dental school in front of many of us students for using that term. 'tools'

It made a permanent impression on me. I never use that term to describe my instruments.

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