Abstract: A pledget loading apparatus for automatically applying a cut segment of a flocculent material such as absorbent cotton to the needle of an elongated needle instrument such as a dental probe needle instrument. The instrument is inserted into an instrument receiver unit to be loaded with such a pledget on the needle and is automatically conveyed into a position ready to be removed from the apparatus. A continuous length of flocculent material is stepwise supplied and cut into segments in an area suitable for being applied to the needle of the instrument.