Menu
Menu
Dentistry technology
Find the best ultrasonic scaler
We’ve collected all the ultrasonic scalers available in the UK so you can choose the best one for your practice.
To compare the scalers in one view, see our one page summary.
o Market: UK o Last updated: 2024-08-08
Find the best dental unit
Introduction

An ultrasonic scaler costs on average £1,700, making it worth choosing one carefully. But shopping around can be time-consuming, as most stores only stock a few of the 14 manufacturers active in the UK market. We have rounded up all the ultrasonic scalers units available, so you can choose one quickly and easily.

Ultrasonic scalers use high frequency vibrations to clean teeth, gums and dental implants. They are distinguished from sonic scaling units, such as from KaVo and Titan, by the frequency of the oscillations, with sonic scalers oscillating around 6kHz and ultrasonic in the 20-30kHz range. The higher the frequency, the less audible is the scaler.

Handpiece compatibility is an important consideration when buying an ultrasonic scaler as handpieces are frequency-specific and are not always compatible across units from different manufacturers, even if the units are of the same type (see below).

Ultrasonic scalers come either as standalone units or in a bare-bones style for integration into a cabinet. Integrated scalers, such as the DTE V3 and UDS-N3 are cheaper but are not covered in this article.

Theoretically, an unshielded pacemaker can be disrupted by magnetostrictive scalers, and many manufacturers say in their saftey guidelines not to use their scaler on patients with pacemakers. Nowadays however all pacemakers are shielded so this risk is probably negligible.

All scalers come with a foot control in addition to controls on the unit body.

Other key features to consider:
o Type
The method used by the scaler to generate oscillations in the handpiece, either magnetostrictive or piezoelectric. There is little difference between the two for the user, except that the handpieces of magnetostrictive scalers are slimmer. For the buyer it is important to note which type, as handpieces cannot be swapped between the two types. It used to be the case that magnetostrictive scalers were cheaper but this is no longer true.
o Procedures
Some manufacturers stress that their units are designed with specific procedures in mind, like endodontics.
o Control style
Controls for scalers can be touchscreens, physical buttons, or rotating dials. Touchscreens, similar to a tablet, are easier to clean and can be used while wearing surgical gloves. Physical buttons and dials are more tactile and normally cheaper.
o Frequency (kHz)
The oscillation frequency of the unit. This, along with the oscillation type, is important for handpiece combatibility. Higher frequencies are perceived as quieter as they are further outside the audible range.
o LED
Some units have LED lights integrated into the handpiece to better illuminate the working area. Many units come in LED and non-LED versions, so check specifications carefully when purchasing.
o Air polisher
Some high end scalers have an integrated air polisher to provide a complete scale & polish treatment with one unit.
o Integrated water supply
Units with an integrated water supply are effectively standalone and many units even have more than one reservoir to reduce refilling. Units without integrated water must be plumbed in to an existing supply.
o Price inc VAT
The best price we have found for each unit, comparing across stockists. Prices include VAT.
With these features in mind,
here are the scalers.
DTE
DTE is one of two brands owned by Guilin Woodpecker from China, the other being Woodpecker. Together they are the most widely available brands of scaler in the UK. Both brands are very price competitive but DTE’s units are aimed more towards the mid market.
DTE
Country
China
UK Distributors
globaldental.co.uk; nextdental.com; dentalwarehouse.co.uk; ukdentalsupplies.com; qudent.co.uk; mcdental.co.uk; dentaledgeuk.co.uk; presidental.co.uk; toothsaver.co.uk; vsdent.com; medident-uk.com; f2medicalsupplies.com; dentaldeal.co.uk;
D5
D5
D5
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes (D5 LED variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£316
D600
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes (D600 LED variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
700ml
Price inc VAT
?
£654
D600
D600
D7
D7
D7
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes (D7 LED variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
500ml
Price inc VAT
?
£349
S6
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes (S7 LED variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£352
S6
S6
Woodpecker
Woodpecker is one of two brands owned by Guilin Woodpecker from China, the other being DTE. Together they are the most widely available brands of scaler in the UK. Compared to DTE, Woodpecker’s has both higher end models and some of the cheapest scalers available.
Woodpecker
Country
China
UK Distributors
qudent.co.uk; medimatch.co.uk; f2medicalsupplies.com; nextdental.com; mcdental.co.uk; dentaledgeuk.co.uk; dentalwarehouse.co.uk; ukdentalsupplies.com; trycare.co.uk; dentaldeal.co.uk; dentalsky.com; toothsaver.co.uk; southwestmedical.co.uk; presidental.co.uk;
AP-B
AP-B
AP-B
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, polishing
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
30±5
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
Yes
Water supply
?
700ml & 1400ml
Price inc VAT
?
£2,280
PT-A
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics, implant maintenance, polishing
Control style
?
Touchscreen
Frequency (kHz)
?
30±5
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
Yes
Water supply
?
600ml & 1400ml
Price inc VAT
?
£3,200
PT-A
PT-A
PT-B
PT-B
PT-B
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics, implant maintenance, polishing
Control style
?
Touchscreen
Frequency (kHz)
?
30±5
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
Yes
Water supply
?
600ml & 1400ml
Price inc VAT
?
£5,160
U6
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes (U6 LED variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£265
U6
U6
U600
U600
U600
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes (U600 LED variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
700ml
Price inc VAT
?
£475
UDS-A
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes (UDS-A LED variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£221
UDS-A
UDS-A
UDS-E
UDS-E
UDS-E
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes (UDS-E LED variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
350ml
Price inc VAT
?
£347
UDS-J
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£270
UDS-J
UDS-J
UDS-K
UDS-K
UDS-K
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes (UDS-K LED variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£204
UDS-L
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
900ml
Price inc VAT
?
£286
UDS-L
UDS-L
UDS-P LED
UDS-P LED
UDS-P LED
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£270
Bonart
At 25 years old, Taiwanese company Bonart are a relative upstart in the dental device market. Some of their products are for veterinarians so check specs carefully when buying.
Bonart
Country
Taiwan
UK Distributors
dentaledgeuk.co.uk; mcdental.co.uk; nextdental.com; f2medicalsupplies.com; ukdentalsupplies.com;
Marquee ART-M3II
Marquee ART-M3II
Marquee ART-M3II
Type
?
Magnetostrictive
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
25 or 30 variants
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£510
Piper ART-P6
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
26-32
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£510
Piper ART-P6
Piper ART-P6
EMS
Swiss company EMS makes dental handpieces and related equipment aimed at the high end of the market. Their scalers are very high quality and the Piezon 250 scaler has won a design award.
EMS
Country
Switzerland
UK Distributors
mcdental.co.uk; trycare.co.uk; haguedental.com;
Piezon 250
Piezon 250
Piezon 250
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
24-32
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
350ml or 500ml
Price inc VAT
?
£2,038
Piezon Master 700
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Endodontics
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
24-32
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
350ml & 500ml
Price inc VAT
?
£4,314
Comments
Discontinued but still available. Comes in two models which can have a second handpiece
Piezon Master 700
Piezon Master 700
Airflow prophylaxis master
Airflow prophylaxis master
Airflow prophylaxis master
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics, polishing
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
24-32
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
Yes
Water supply
?
800ml
Price inc VAT
?
£9,733
W&H
W&H have been making dental equipment since 1890 with a particular focus on handpieces. Nowadays they make a very wide range of dental products and consumables and are well known in the UK for their dental autoclaves.
W&H
Country
Austria
UK Distributors
mcdental.co.uk; swallowdental.co.uk;
Tigon+
Tigon+
Tigon+
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
27-32
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
400ml
Price inc VAT
?
£1,426
Pyon 2
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
27-32
LED
?
Optional
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£764
Pyon 2
Pyon 2
Proxeo Ultra
Proxeo Ultra
Proxeo Ultra
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
22-35
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
750ml (PB-530 & PB-520 only)
Price inc VAT
?
£1,084
Comments
Comes in three variants: PB-510, PB-520, & PB-530, with higher numbers having slightly more functionality.
NSK-Nakanishi
NSK is a dental handpiece specialist founded in Japan in 1930. They now have subsidiaries around the world but continue to manufacture their products in Japan.
NSK-Nakanishi
Country
Japan
UK Distributors
ukdentistry.co.uk; dentaledgeuk.co.uk; swallowdental.co.uk; ukdentalsupplies.com;
Varios 970
Varios 970
Varios 970
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
28-32
LED
?
Yes (the Optic variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
2 x 400ml
Price inc VAT
?
£1,495
Varios Combi Pro
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Polishing
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
28-32
LED
?
Yes (the Optic variant)
Air polisher
?
Yes
Water supply
?
2 x 400ml
Price inc VAT
?
£4,756
Varios Combi Pro
Varios Combi Pro
Varios 570
Varios 570
Varios 570
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
28-32
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£1,195
Varios 370
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
28-32
LED
?
Yes (the Optic variant)
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£725
Varios 370
Varios 370
Mectron
Mectron were founded in Italy in 1979 and are the pioneers of the dental piezosurgery technique which uses high frequency oscillations to cut bone. They also have a small range of ultrasonic scalers, of which one is currently available in the UK.
Mectron
Country
Italy
UK Distributors
mcdental.co.uk;
Micropiezo S
Micropiezo S
Micropiezo S
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
24-36
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£625
Acteon/Satelec
Unrelated to the English company of the same name, Acteon makes a high precision dental equipment, including intraoral scanners and x-ray machines. It is the most widely available manufacturer of ultrasonic scalers in the UK, along with DTE and Woodpecker.
Acteon/Satelec
Country
France
UK Distributors
qudent.co.uk; henryschein.co.uk; cadentltd.co.uk; presidental.co.uk; globaldental.co.uk; dental-equipment.co.uk; ssdgroup.co.uk; ukdentalsupplies.com;
Newtron booster
Newtron booster
Newtron booster
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
28
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£1,333
Newtron P5 XS BLED
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
28
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
300ml
Price inc VAT
?
£2,048
Comments
This model with LED lighting has replaced the P5XS
Newtron P5 XS BLED
Newtron P5 XS BLED
Newtron P5 BLED
Newtron P5 BLED
Newtron P5 BLED
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
28
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£1,323
VRN
Guilin Veirun Medical Technology are a 30 year old Chinese dental manufacturer specialising in ultrasonic scalers, plate scanners, and curing lights.
VRN
Country
China
UK Distributors
dentaledgeuk.co.uk;
VRN A8
VRN A8
VRN A8
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
500ml
Price inc VAT
?
£432
VRN DA-20
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
18-45
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
800ml
Price inc VAT
?
£660
VRN DA-20
VRN DA-20
VRN Q6
VRN Q6
VRN Q6
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics, polishing
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
Yes
Water supply
?
2 x 600ml
Price inc VAT
?
£2,754
Dentsply Sirona
Dentsply Sirona arose from a merger of German company Sirona, founded in 1877, with American Dentsply, founded in 1899. They are arguably the best-known manufacturer of magnetostrictive scalers amongst their enormous range of dental products.
Dentsply Sirona
Country
USA
UK Distributors
dentalsky.com; ddgroup.com; kentexpress.co.uk; bfmulholland.com; trycare.co.uk; nextdental.com;
Cavitron 300
Cavitron 300
Cavitron 300
Type
?
Magnetostrictive
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Touchscreen
Frequency (kHz)
?
30
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£2,994
Cavitron Plus
Type
?
Magnetostrictive
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
30
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£3,054
Cavitron Plus
Cavitron Plus
Cavitron Select SPS
Cavitron Select SPS
Cavitron Select SPS
Type
?
Magnetostrictive
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
30
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
Optional
Price inc VAT
?
£3,054
Cavitron Touch
Type
?
Magnetostrictive
Procedures
?
Control style
?
Touchscreen
Frequency (kHz)
?
30
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£3,766
Cavitron Touch
Cavitron Touch
Rolence
Rolence is a Taiwanese specialist in curing lamps established in 1981. They also make ultrasonic scalers, unusually manufacturing both magnetostrictive and piezoelectric types, although only the former seem to be available in the UK.
Rolence
Country
Taiwan
UK Distributors
ukdentalsupplies.com; dentalwarehouse.co.uk;
Elitedent MS-1 Dual
Elitedent MS-1 Dual
Elitedent MS-1 Dual
Type
?
Magnetostrictive
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Dial
Frequency (kHz)
?
25-30
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
2 x 500ml
Price inc VAT
?
£719
R&S
R&S is a brand launched in 1980 by French dental supplier GACD, aimed at providing affordable dental equipment that is still manufactured in France. They do not provide frequency specs for their scalers.
R&S
Country
France
UK Distributors
dentalsky.com; clinicline.co.uk;
Tri Scaler Aqua
Tri Scaler Aqua
Tri Scaler Aqua
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
300ml or 500ml
Price inc VAT
?
£545
Tri Scaler Compact
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Buttons
Frequency (kHz)
?
LED
?
No
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
No
Price inc VAT
?
£330
Tri Scaler Compact
Tri Scaler Compact
3TECH
3TECH is a new budget dental supplier from France. Like R&S, they provide affordable equipment although their after-sales support and product warranties are limited.
3TECH
Country
France
UK Distributors
dentalsky.com;
Easy scaler L-28
Easy scaler L-28
Easy scaler L-28
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics
Control style
?
Touch panel
Frequency (kHz)
?
28±3
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
No
Water supply
?
600ml
Price inc VAT
?
£432
Comments
The only scaler in our guide that does not include a foot switch.
B.A. International
UK-based B.A. International started in 1989 repairing dental equipment. They still provide this service and have since branched out into manufacturing equipment and consumables. Their products are available with a warranty of up to three years.
B.A. International
Country
UK
UK Distributors
bainternational.com/en-gb/; kentexpress.co.uk; henryschein.co.uk;
Ulticlean UC500L
Ulticlean UC500L
Ulticlean UC500L
Type
?
Piezo
Procedures
?
Periodontics, endodontics, implant maintenance, polishing
Control style
?
Touchscreen
Frequency (kHz)
?
30±5
LED
?
Yes
Air polisher
?
Yes
Water supply
?
1500ml & 600ml
Price inc VAT
?
£5,519
Hero
One page summary
Click here to see our ultrasonic scaler comparison table: