Authors: Brunton P.A.; Abidia R.; Macfarlane T.V.; Wilson N.H.F.

Source: Primary Dental Care, Volume 7, Number 3, 1 July 2000 , pp. 125-128(4)

Publisher: Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK)

Abstract:

Purpose of study: To evaluate the suitability of two non-sterile, powderfree gloves for routine use in general dental practice.

Basic procedures: Randomly allocated blind evaluation of two powderfree gloves by five dentists and five dental nurses in general dental practice. Each dentist and dental nurse were allocated a four-day supply of two unnamed powder-free gloves. Following glove usage a questionnaire sought their views regarding ease of donning, operator comfort, puncture and tear resistance, and tactile sensitivity. Details of procedure undertaken, time of wear and puncture and tear formation for the dentists' gloves were also recorded. The dentists' gloves were retained and subsequently tested for punctures and tears.

Main findings: In terms of ease of donning, operator discomfort, tear resistance and tactile sensitivity neither glove was ideal, however one glove was rated higher than the other. Overall, the dentists noticed only half of the punctures and tears detected in the laboratory. One glove was more prone to punctures with the other glove more liable to tear. Time worn in excess of 20 minutes and endodontic procedures were associated with a higher incidence of punctures.

Principal conclusions: The two powder-free gloves evaluated in this study would appear not to be suitable for routine use in general dental practice. Further developments are required before powder-free gloves of the type evaluated can be expected to receive widespread acceptance for routine use by dentists and dental nurses in general dental practice.

Keywords: Primary Dental Care; General Dental Practice; Latex; Gloves and Powder

Document Type: Miscellaneous

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1308/135576100322694259

Publication date: 2000-07-01

More about this publication?

• Primary Dental Care is the research journal of the Faculty of General Dental Practice (UK), and the only peer-reviewed journal dedicated wholly to research in primary care dentistry. The aim of the journal is to promote academic and research aspects of primary dental care by publishing relevant peer-reviewed papers. In addition, reviews, reports of clinical cases, book reviews, opinions, summaries and abstracts of scientific meetings and news items are included.

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