Gloves are an essential piece of equipment for dentists, dental nurses, and dental hygienists or assistants. Gloves provide a protected shield, helping to safeguard both the patient and dental staff against a variety of risks during dental procedures.
Choosing the right gloves for the right job comes down to many different aspects – material, fit, and quality - which are the most important in ensuring safety for dental practitioners and their patients.
Most dentists and dental staff will use gloves throughout any procedure for a variety of different reasons, first and foremost to act as a barrier between dental staff and patients. As with any medical procedure, dental work carries a small risk of infection and cross-contamination – both for the patient and the practitioner.
Gloves help to lower the risk of infection, cross-contamination, or transmission of pathogens via bodily fluids by providing a sterile barrier between the patient and the dentist.
Dentists also use quality dental gloves to help protect themselves from chemicals, disinfectants, and cleaning agents routinely used in different medical practices, helping to safeguard their skin from repeated and prolonged exposure.
Beyond the health and safety aspect, the use of gloves within dental practices helps to demonstrate commitment to professionalism, cleanliness, and hygiene – in turn, making patients feel more confident.
Table of Contents
- Types of Gloves for Dentists
-
Best Dental Gloves for Dentists
- HandCare Black Nitrile Gloves
- Dynarex Surgeon’s Latex Sterile Gloves
- Microflex SG-375 Disposable Latex Gloves
- Fifth Pulse Disposable Vinyl Exam Gloves
- SAFE HEALTH Nitro-V Synthetic Exam Gloves
- MedPride Medical Examination Nitrile Gloves
- Schneider Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Luna Powder-Free Latex Gloves
- QualiTouch Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Conclusion
Types Of Gloves Used In Dentistry
In the USA all dentists and dental staff will use, and often change, gloves during any dental procedure. There are a variety of gloves for dentists on the market, with different materials being used for different specific needs.
The three main types of gloves are nitrile, latex, and vinyl, with each material offering unique advantages in the dental setting. But what are the differences between the gloves?
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves are one of the most commonly used gloves in both the medical and dental industries. Renowned for durability and versatility, they provide an excellent barrier against contaminants without compromising on flexibility.
Nitrile gloves also don’t contain latex making them a great choice for individuals who suffer from latex allergies.
Latex Gloves
Latex gloves offer one of the best fits of the three main glove types, and the thin material offers maximum sensitivity – making them a great choice for intricate dental work.
Latex gloves have a textured surface ensuring a good grip on dental equipment and offering a high level of sterility, however, they’re not suitable for everyone due to the latex content.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are often noted for their comfort and ease of use. Free from latex, they’re another option for those who suffer from latex sensitivity.
Vinyl gloves are not as puncture-resistant as latex or nitrile gloves – however, they’re often much cheaper and a suitable option for routine dental tasks rather than surgical dental procedures.
9 Best Dental Gloves for Dentists
1. HandCare Black Nitrile Gloves - Exam Grade, Powder Free Gloves
HandCare Black Nitrile Gloves are one of the best disposable gloves available in the market. These high-quality gloves are designed for medical use to keep your hands protected at all times.
They are strong, reliable, and tear-resistant, making them one of the best disposable dental gloves.
Every dentist would opt for a comfortable glove. The ProCure disposable nitrile gloves are super soft and relaxing.
They are latex and powder-free, making them safe to use, especially for people who are allergic to rubber.
Key Features
- Powder and latex-free glove
- Made of nitrile
- Comes in all sizes
2. Dynarex Surgeon’s Latex Sterile Gloves
Dynarex Sterile Latex Surgical Gloves come with a textured surface on the fingertips and the palm for a firm grip. These gloves offer maximum strength with no loss of sensitivity, making them one of the best dentist glove types.
They also come in assorted sizes, and they are available in sizes 6 to 9 to fit all hand sizes.
These gloves are among the best and are ideal for all medical practices where sterility is required.
Key Features
- Elastic
- Made from latex
- Textured surface
3. Microflex SG-375 Disposable Latex Gloves
Microflex SG-375 is three times thicker than the standard latex gloves. Thicker disposable gloves prevent tears and rips, making them an ideal choice for professional dentists.
They offer a secure grip when handling dental equipment and tools and come with an extended cuff, hence extra protection for the arm and wrist.
This Microflex glove is a good pick if you’re looking for gloves that go beyond protection to improve your productivity and comfort.
Key Features
- Comes in small, medium, large, and extra-large
- 11 mils thick
- Made of latex
- Assortment of colors
- Ambidextrous
- Comes in a dispenser box with 50 gloves
4. Fifth Pulse Disposable Vinyl Exam Gloves
These disposable vinyl gloves by Fifth Pulse are easy to put on and take off. They are also super comfortable to wear.
These disposable gloves are medical grade, hence suitable for dentists. They are Latex-free and therefore make them perfect for individuals with latex allergies.
Key Features
- Packed in a box of 50
- Latex and powder-free
- 3 mils thick
- Available in small, medium, large and extra-large
5. SAFE HEALTH Nitro-V Synthetic Royal Blue Exam Gloves
SAFE HEALTH Nitro-V Synthetic Gloves are made from vinyl materials equivalent to Nitrile. They’re exceptionally soft and strong.
SAFE HEALTH Nitro offers the best balance between flexibility and durability, making it superior to standard vinyl. Additionally, it’s cost-effective compared to disposable nitrile gloves.
These dental gloves are latex-free and safe for people who are allergic to latex. They are also strong, puncture-resistant, tear-resistant, and elastic.
Key Features
- Latex-free and powder-free
- Ambidextrous
- Available in small, medium, large and extra-large
- Smooth external finish
6. MedPride Powder-Free Medical Examination Nitrile Gloves
The MedPride Powder-free Nitrile Medical Glove is highly recommended for dental examinations and procedures. These nitrile gloves offer superior protection and are suitable for dentists.
This pair of gloves is ideal for people with sensitive skin and allergic to donning powder and natural rubber latex.
These gloves are highly stretchable and made of medical-grade synthetic rubber (Nitrile), making them puncture-resistant and durable.
They are textured on the surface for a firm grip. The gloves allow higher tactile sensitivity providing total control in cases where precision using small equipment is required.
Key Features
- Comes in a pack of 100
- Made of Nitrile
- Stretchable
- Powder-free
- Beaded cuff
- Premium iris blue in color
7. Schneider Nitrile Exam Gloves
The Schneider Nitrile Exam Gloves provide the best chemical resistance, thus protecting high-risk dental procedures.
One thing that makes these pairs unique is that they conform to your hand’s shape and react to your body's temperature, ensuring maximum comfort.
They are easier to don and take off because of their lower resistance to friction.
Key Features
- Elastic and stretchy
- Powder and latex-free
- Ambidextrous
- Comes in a pack of 100
- Comes in assorted colors
- Comes in a wide range of sizes
Shop Schneider Nitrile Gloves here
8. Luna Powder-Free Latex Gloves
Luna Powder-free Latex Gloves are among the best disposable dentist gloves. They are made of latex material, reinforced with polymer, and offer dentists the best protection.
These gloves offer superior protection against contaminants, skin secretions, and fluids, offering the best protection against chemicals and microorganisms.
Key Features
- No sterilization is required
- Manufactured for surgical and medical use
- Offer superior protection
- Cream white tone color
- Not hypoallergenic
- Available in different sizes
- Comes in a pack of 100
9. QualiTouch Nitrile Powder-Free Exam Gloves
QualiTouch Nitrile Powder-Free Exam Gloves is a disposable health glove known for quality and comfort. One of the unique features includes contoured fit to figures and the thump, which significantly reduces hand fatigue.
These gloves adapt to the hands quickly as they warm up because of their thermo-responsive properties. As a result, they provide comfort, and their textured surface is ideal for long procedures due to their excellent grip.
Key Features
- No natural rubber latex
- Ideal for long hours use
- Textured fingers and palm
- Ambidextrous, non-sterile
Where to Buy the Best Dental Gloves
Selecting the best dental gloves to be used in a dental practice is essential to keeping both dentists and patients safe throughout any procedure. When choosing gloves dentists will need to consider tear resistance, puncture resistance, durability, and overall comfort – as well as the material depending on the patient in question and the procedure in hand.
Nitrile gloves, latex gloves, and vinyl gloves are all disposable gloves used in the dental industry - with different dental gloves better for performing different tasks within the dental practice.
By adhering to the established guidelines provided by the FDA and CDC, it’s in the best interests of dental professionals and their patients for gloves to be used to ensure optimal protection against infection and cross-contamination.
By investing in high-quality disposable gloves alongside sticking to the established protocols for hand hygiene, dental professionals can lower any potential risks and maintain a sterile environment to provide the best level of dental care possible.
Gloves For Dentists: Frequently Asked Questions
Should a dentist wear gloves?
Yes, a dentist should wear gloves. Wearing gloves is essential for maintaining hygiene and preventing the transmission of infections between the dentist and the patient. It ensures a sterile environment and protects both parties from potential exposure to harmful bacteria and viruses.
Do dentists use non sterile gloves?
Yes, dentists use non-sterile gloves for most routine dental procedures. Non-sterile gloves are suitable for general examinations and common dental treatments where the risk of infection is low. Sterile gloves are typically reserved for surgical procedures or situations requiring a higher level of infection control.
Do dentists still use latex gloves?
Many dentists still use latex gloves due to their excellent fit and tactile sensitivity. However, due to the risk of latex allergies among patients and healthcare workers, some dentists have transitioned to using alternative materials such as nitrile or vinyl gloves, which provide similar protection and performance without the risk of allergic reactions.
