Abstract: A dental tool sharpener is disclosed having a base. A grinding surface is rotatably attached to the base about a fixed axis, the axis of rotation being perpendicular to the base. a positioner is attached to the base and aligns a top face of a blade of a dental tool such that the top face is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the grinding surface. A gripper is attached to the base for grasping the dental tool and for transporting the dental tool from the positioner to the grinding surface while maintaining the top face substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the grinding surface.