What is a characteristic of moderately flexible shanks?

Moderately flexible shanks are specifically designed for achieving a balance between strength and tactile sensitivity, making them suitable for light to moderate calculus removal. This flexibility allows the dental hygienist to adapt the instrument to the contours of the tooth surface while still providing enough stiffness to effectively remove calculus.

In contrast, shanks that are too rigid would be more appropriate for heavy calculus removal, as they can apply greater force without bending. On the other hand, highly flexible shanks might not provide the necessary strength needed for effective calculus removal, making them better suited for assessment instruments like explorers rather than for actual scaling tasks. Therefore, the characteristic of moderately flexible shanks being used for light to moderate calculus removal is accurate, as it reflects their intended design and usage in dental hygiene practice.