take a look around... go ahead. explore!

I learned how to explore today ... with an explorer, of course.

Danielle was my lucky victim today!

This was soooo much better than probing. Maybe just a little less frustrating.

With an explorer, you have to find the correct end to use. The anterior and posterior teeth have two different ways of finding this end.

Anterior: lay the working end on the facial side of the tooth. make sure the curve of the shank is along the tooth, if it is pointing up, that is not the correct end.

Posterior: use the interproximal space for this one. Watch your wrist as well as the shank of the instrument. The shank will be parallel with the tooth, and your wrist won't be all crazy trying to make it parallel. If you're getting all crazy up in there, switch the end.

After you find the correct end to use, you can start by going subgivivally and using upward stroking motions. Keep the toe (or tip) on the tooth. I think this feels like I am scratching the tooth.
Following the toe will help you not push your instrument into the tissues surrounding the tooth.
This will help you find the calculus on the teeth, both supra and sub gingival.

All around, sounds pretty simple. Putting the words into practice, is a little different.