Gloves
The Dental Advisor dishes on what reps need to know about gloves
By Mary Yakas
Editor’s Note: At The Dental Advisor, not a day goes by without our phone ringing from a customer asking for the "best." As a dental publication that was designed after Consumer Reports, over the past 25 years we have learned one thing – the best changes from day to day. Providing relevant and timely information to customers is something we strive for. This series of Tech Talks focus on educating dental sales professionals on the products and technology they are selling so they can in turn educate their customer.
Many of us can remember the term "wet finger dentistry." Before the 1980s, gloves were not routinely worn for dental procedures. Just as bacterial strains have become more complex, glove choices have as well.
What are the critical factors in a glove? Gloves must not only protect against infection, they should also fit well and be durable throughout a procedure.
Comfort during use is the first issue that usually comes up in the selection of a glove. If the glove fits well on a hand, chances are it will be comfortable. If the clinician prefers a texture to the glove, many gloves come with textured fingertips to assist in gripping. Many gloves are available in right and left as well to ensure a proper fit. Depending on the handwashing techniques used as well as any skin emollients, the clinician will also want to determine whether or not a powdered or powder-free option is best for them.
Several material options are available, including latex, vinyl, nitrile, and chloroprene. Latex is still the most popular. Due to the increase in contact dermatitis and latex hypersensitivity, vinyl and nitrile operative gloves have become available in various sizes and options. Gloves should be selected on the task to be performed: routine procedures, surgical procedures, and utility procedures. Surgical procedures require sterile gloves to be used. Utility procedures, such as sterilization or equipment maintenance procedures require a thicker, utility glove to protect hands.
Believe it or not, some groups we lecture ask about washing gloves. Washing can create "wicking," or penetration of liquids through undetected holes in the gloves. Deterioration of the gloves can occur microscopically.
| Types | Pros | Cons |
| Latex | Considered to be one of the best barriers to bloodborne pathogens. | The threat of latex allergies still exists. (However, since more gloves are powder-free today, the threat is less than it used to be.) |
| Nitrile | Considered to be one of the best barriers to certain lab chemicals. | Provides less sensitivity, so some doctors prefer not to use this glove. |
| Vinyl | A low-cost alternative for short-term exams/procedures (e.g., 10-15 minute use). | Some end-users say that vinyl gloves fit too loosely, making it difficult to feel through them. |
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