The incidence of puncture in gloves worn during orthodontic clinical practice

A critical review of glove and hand research with regard to medical glove design

Research from a number of areas was surveyed, including hand function; skin friction; manual performance testing; glove comfort, fit and durability; and user perception. The relevance of the research to medical glove design was discussed. It was concluded that, while an understanding has been gained of the factors that affect glove performance in general, specific application to thin rubber gloves has not been well explored. The focus in glove performance testing has also been on simple tasks such as pegboards, which do not necessarily assess the fine dexterity required in many surgical tasks. Recommendations were made for the development of a new battery of tests specific to medical gloves that would simulate real medical tasks and could produce repeatable results and have sufficient resolution to differentiate between glove types.

A clinical and laboratory evaluation of three types of operating gloves for use in orthodontic practice

This prospective study examined the durability and user acceptability of three types of operating glove for use in orthodontic practice. The glove types studied were a lightweight examination glove (Microtouch, Johnson and Johnson), a dedicated dental procedure glove (Biogel D, Regent Hospital Products) and a non-latex, nitrile glove (N-Dex, Best Manufacturing Europe N.V.). A water-leak test was used to examine 50 pairs of unused gloves of each type for manufacturing defects. Subsequently, six operators of varying experience were asked to use 20 pairs of each type of glove for fixed appliance treatment sessions and record their suitability for different clinical procedures. The used gloves were collected and tested in the laboratory for punctures. At the end of the study the six operators completed a detailed questionnaire recording their preferences for each glove type.

Use of non-sterile gloves in clinical practice

This paper reviews the use of non-sterile gloves in dental practice. It is now considered to be normal practice to wear gloves for all dental procedures and although there is considerable controversy regarding patterns of glove use, there is increasing evidence to the effect that single patient use is indicated. Careful use of gloves and proper hand care are key components to effective cross-infection control in clinical practice.