An evaluation of powder-free gloves in general dental practice

To evaluate the suitability of two non-sterile, powder-free gloves for routine use in general dental practice.

Randomly allocated blind evaluation of two powder-free 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.

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.

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.