What type of surgical curette is Prichard categorized as?

Prichard is categorized as a curette because this instrument is specifically designed for the removal of soft tissue and debris from the periodontal pocket and is utilized during surgical procedures in periodontology. Curettes typically have a rounded back and a sharp edge, allowing them to be used delicately and effectively for debridement and scaling within periodontal diseases.

In contrast, scalers are used primarily for scaling the tooth surface and typically do not have the same shape or purpose as a curette. Chisels are broader and are primarily used for cutting and shaping hard tissues, while scissors serve a different function entirely, primarily for cutting soft tissues. The defining features and intended use of a curette—specifically for surgical debridement—highlight why Prichard is categorized as such.