Best Gloves for Dentists & Dental Hygienists
Use our quick navigation below to find detailed information about each topic. If you need any help don’t hesitate to contact us using the form at the end of the article.
What kind of gloves do dentists use?
Most dentists and dental hygienists use nitrile gloves because of their comfort, adequate barrier protection, and durability.
Dental gloves have trended towards nitrile because of increased latex sensitivities.
And with COVID-19, sufficient barrier protection is more critical now than ever. Dentists need protection they can depend on. Nitrile rubber won’t rip or tear under light stress, and extra thick gloves can be relied upon for heavy industrial tasks.
Because of nitrile’s strength, dentists and nurses trust nitrile rubber gloves to protect them from infectious disease hazards.
Do dentists wear latex gloves?
Dentists wear latex gloves; latex is the second most popular glove material for dentists.
Dentists should have latex-free gloves available if they discover a patient has latex sensitivities. Many dental offices now contain nitrile, vinyl, and latex gloves as needed.
Will nitrile or latex irritate patients?
Patients with latex allergies or sensitivities will react to contact with latex rubber. Dentists, nurses, and orthodontists need to be prepared for such eventualities. The first step is asking if the patient is aware of any allergy and then having a suitable latex-free glove alternative available.¹
For unknown reasons, the incidence rate of latex sensitivities had increased since the 1980s when they first began being tracked.² Because dentists and orthodontists primarily work within a patient’s mouth, little can be done to prevent exposure to latex.
The only practical solution is for dentists to use nitrile, vinyl, or chloroprene rubber gloves that are 100% latex-free. Even though latex sensitivities are on the rise, they still account for a minority of patients.
Do dental hygienists need to wear gloves?
Dental hygienists need to wear disposable gloves to protect themselves and their patients. Disposable gloves act as a protective barrier and reduce the spread of bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause infections. Just as dental bibs are necessary for exams, so are gloves.
Where can I buy dental gloves?
Harmony Lab & Safety Supplies is your source for dental gloves and other wholesale disposable gloves. Harmony has well over a decade of experience providing nitrile and latex gloves to dentists and other medical professionals. All our supplies are delivered to you quickly and supported by our USA customer support team.
If you’re unsure as to what dental gloves you need, feel free to contact us using the form below.