Final answer:
Plaster models should be soaked in water prior to trimming to reduce dust and ease the trimming process, typically for 5 to 10 minutes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before trimming plaster models, the models should be soaked in water. This step is taken to minimize the dust generated during the trimming process and to make the plaster easier to work with.
The typical duration for soaking plaster models is around 5 to 10 minutes. This practice is common in dental laboratories and orthodontic offices where accurate and well-finished plaster models are necessary for patient care.