A clear request for quotation saves a round of emails and makes sure the instruments that arrive are the ones your clinicians expect. Most mix-ups in dental hand instrument orders come from a missing detail: the pattern, the figure number, the side or the handle. This guide sets out what to include, in the order a manufacturer will read it.
1. Start with the clinical job
Group your list by what the instruments are for. It makes the quote easier to check and helps the supplier spot anything that looks out of place. Typical groups are:
- Extraction: extraction forceps.
- Luxation and elevation: root elevators.
- Examination and diagnosis: mouth mirrors and explorers and probes.
- Periodontal work: periodontal instruments.
- Surgery: bone curettes, rongeurs and needle holders.
- Impressions: stainless steel impression trays.
2. Name the pattern and the figure
Most hand instruments are identified by a pattern (the design tradition, often a person’s name) and a figure number. Both are needed. For example:
- Forceps: English or American pattern, then the figure, such as English pattern Fig. 17 or American pattern Fig. 150. The same number can mean a different instrument in each pattern. Our guide to how dental extraction forceps are numbered explains the system.
- Elevators: the pattern and the figure or blade width, such as Coupland 2.5 mm, Bein Fig. 1 (3 mm), Cryer Fig. 27 or Warwick James.
- Probes and curettes: the pattern and figure, such as a CP-12 or Williams probe, or a Lucas curette Fig. 2.
Where a catalogue has close variants (for example a standard figure and an “S” or “A” version), quote the SKU as well as the name so there is no doubt.
3. Say which side, and how many ends
- Left, right or universal: many elevators and some forceps are made as left and right figures, such as Cryer Fig. 27 and Fig. 28. If you need a pair, list both.
- Upper or lower: state the arch for forceps and impression trays.
- Single or double-ended: some patterns are offered both ways, so say which you want.
4. Handle and size
Handle style changes the feel of an instrument, so note it if your clinicians have a preference: for example a standard pear handle, a knurled pear handle or a flat tapered handle on elevators. For trays, list the size or figure for each arch. If you need a particular length, include it, and ask the supplier to confirm it on the quotation.
5. Loose instruments or sets
Decide whether you want loose instruments or made-up sets, such as an examination set for students. If you are ordering sets, list every instrument in the set and the quantity of sets. See our dental kits for examples. Mention any packing preference too, such as individual pouches or cassettes.
6. Reprocessing
Stainless steel hand instruments are made to be reused and sterilised in a standard steam autoclave. Tell the supplier how your instruments will be reprocessed, and ask for care and cleaning guidance to share with your decontamination team.
7. The commercial details
To get a quotation you can act on, include:
- the SKU, name and quantity for each line;
- whether you want catalogue (Balban-branded) instruments or OEM or private-label marking;
- the delivery country and address, so shipping can be quoted (UK buyers can read shipping and import to the UK);
- any documents you need with the order, such as copies of quality certificates. Our article on what ISO 13485 means when buying from Pakistan covers what to ask for.
A short checklist
- Clinical group
- Pattern and figure number (and SKU for close variants)
- Side, arch and single or double-ended
- Handle style and size
- Loose or set, and packing
- Reprocessing method
- Quantity, branding, delivery country and documents
About Balban
Balban Industries has made surgical and dental instruments in Sialkot, Pakistan since 1985. Our instruments are CE marked, and we work to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016. To ask for a quotation, use our contact form or, for UK buyers, see Supplying the UK.