Mitchell's trimmer: Who was Mitchell and what was he trimming?

Key Points Provides an understanding as to why the commonly used instrument is named as a trimmer when it is not used for trimming. Highlights the origins of the well-known instrument. Mitchell's trimmer, also known as an osteo-trimmer, osteocarver or osteocarver #4, is a commonly used instrument in a dental professional's armamentarium. Today the instrument is used in a range of dental specialties; however, its modern use has no association to trimming. This article explores the origin of the Mitchell's trimmer, its intended use and reveals the founder of the renowned instrument.