Cyclic Brinell indentation has been established as a reliable method for inducing significant dislocation densities in room-temperature ductile ceramics. Despite recent investigations into the role of dislocations in ceramics, particularly SrTiO₃ and KNbO₃, a simple mechanical approach for introducing a controllable dislocation density over a large area (several mm or cm) has been lacking. In this study, we demonstrate that cyclic Brinell scratching is capable of generating plastic zones with dislocation densities ranging from 10¹⁰ m^-2 to 10¹⁵ m^-2 in both single-crystal MgO and SrTiO₃. Additionally, this method proves effective in enhancing mechanical properties such as hardness and damage tolerance. Optimization of parameters such as the indenter materials, scratching speed, load, and lubrication is crucial to achieving a balance between brittle and ductile behaviour in the material. Characterization techniques including chemical etching, electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are employed to analyse the dislocations in the scratched samples. Wear on both the probed material and the ball indenter is investigated using confocal laser microscopy. Our findings indicate a notable increase in Vickers hardness by 30% and nanohardness by 50% in MgO, attributed to extensive work hardening and the development of compressive residual stresses reaching up to ~2 GPa. Importantly, the treatment successfully suppresses the initiation and propagation of cracks within the plastic zone.