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Background The number of people with allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) has increased significantly in recent years.Aim To assess the experiences of latex-allergic patients in accessing appropriate dental care, and also the willingness and ability of general dental practitioners to provide care for these patients.Method Two self completing postal questionnaires, one to patients and one to general dental practitioners.Results The majority of latex-allergic patients are able to obtain dental treatment. Some do experience adverse reactions, which may be severe, in spite of precautions being taken. Although many general dental practitioners are willing to accept such patients for treatment, few appear to be fully aware of all the necessary precautions required. Most do not have policies for the management of sensitised patients and staff, and a number are still using powdered natural rubber latex gloves in spite of the risk to patients and staff.Conclusion Latex-allergic patients can usually obtain safe treatment in general dental practice, but more education of dentists about the risks associated with natural rubber latex is required. Information about the latex content of equipment would be advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Adverse Reaction Reporting Project (ARRP) was set up to measure the extent and severity of adverse reactions to dental materials in the UK. Further analysis into the use of protective gloves has been carried out to establish the degree to which gloves are having a deleterious effect on the dental profession. In addition the survey aimed to establish the techniques used to manage adverse reactions and their effectiveness.In a 23-month period, 369 reports were received concerning adverse reactions to protective gloves used in dental practices. Reporters were contacted for further information, and a 92% response rate was achieved. The 330 reports analysed showed dentists to be the largest group to report adverse reactions, whilst dental technicians reported the fewest. The referral rate for staff and patients was similar with a third of adverse reactions being referred (n=110) to a specialist for diagnosis. A confirmed diagnosis was received in 65% of referred cases (n=72), but the symptoms reported suggested a larger degree of Type I reactions occurring than diagnosed. The use of non-powdered gloves appeared to be favoured over powdered gloves in 42% of glove changes, and nitrile gloves were used as an alternative to latex in 39% of changes.In conclusion, the results from this survey showed that wearing gloves in dental practices in the UK caused a range of adverse reactions. In 79% (n=330) of cases reported and analysed, these reactions were readily resolved or improved by self-medication, prescribed medication and / or changing to a different type of protective glove. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Examination gloves manufactured from natural latex have been the predominant glove choice to date in dental practice. However, concerns over hypersensitivity have resulted in the use of alternatives such as nitrile gloves. The aim of the current study was to assess the incidence of pre-existing pinhole defects in nitrile examination gloves.Methods Air inflation, followed by water submersion, was used to assess the incidence of pre-existing pinhole defects in five nitrile and two latex glove types. The gloves were filled with a constant volume of air and submerged in 3 litres of water for 10 seconds while being observed for air bubbles which would indicate pinhole defects. The position and number of pinholes were noted for 100 gloves of each type investigated.Results The incidence of pre-existing pinholes for latex gloves was 0% for the non-sterile surgical latex glove type and 3% for the powdered latex examination glove type, with pinholes located on the thumb, middle finger and ring finger. Of the nitrile gloves evaluated, three types were assessed to have no pre-existing pinhole defects. One type had a 2% incidence of pre-existing pinhole defects - one pinhole located on the thumb region of the glove and one on the ring finger portion of the glove. The fifth nitrile glove type had one pre-existing pinhole defect located on the middle finger.Significance All glove types examined met the European Standard (EN 455-1) and there was no statistically significant difference between glove types. However, the nitrile gloves generally exhibited less pre-existing pinhole defects than the latex examination gloves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the puncture resistance of a recently introduced non-latex, nitrile dental glove in comparison with a latex glove worn during routine clinical dental procedures.Setting: Dentists in general dental practice working within the UK during 1999.Subjects and Methods: 2,020 gloves worn by five general dental practitioners were examined for punctures following standard clinical use by a water inflation method. Procedures undertaken during glove usage and length of time worn were recorded.Results: Following clinical use, 1.9% of the latex gloves and 5.3% of the nitrile gloves had punctures, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001). The puncture resistance of the nitrile gloves was superior to the puncture resistance of previously tested worn non-latex (vinyl) gloves. There was no evidence of a statistically significant difference between operators for the percentage or incidence of punctured gloves (P = 0.787) after correcting for glove type. No statistically significant difference was noted between incidence of puncture in the control, unused gloves (n = 200 for each type) and the gloves examined following clinical use (P = 0.907 for nitrile, P = 0.613 for latex).Conclusion: No increase in the number of punctures was noted following clinical use for either glove type. This could be considered to indicate good puncture resistance of the gloves tested in clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents dentistry equipments and supplies. Extracoronal slide attachment for fixed/removable restorations; Dental gloves; Dental handpiece; Disinfectants for a variety of dental impression materials.

Presents news updates on dentistry in Great Britain as of October 23, 1999. Schottlander's launching of the latex-free Nitrile Gloves; Oral-B's launching of Disney branded toothbrushes; Availability of Tekpro's Temporary Crown & Bridge Automix.

Discusses issues concerning dentistry. Oral health promotion; Use of clinical gloves impregnated with herbal substance aloe vera; Professional responsibility.

Aims: The aims of this study were to determine the pattern of use and re-use of matrix bands in general practice in Scotland, to demonstrate which type of matrix band is most commonly used and to examine infection control measures of relevance to the safe use and re-use of matrix bands.Materials and Methods: Subjects: 621 of Scotland's 1,849 general dental practitioners were randomly selected.Data Collection: A 19-item self-reported questionnaire was mailed in June 1999 with a follow-up mailing sent in August 1999.Analysis: Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and cross-tabulation. Where appropriate, differences between categories were tested for significance by a Chi-square test.Results: A total of 479 questionnaires were returned, representing a response rate of 77%. Reported compliance with routine glove wearing was high (91%). Most dentists (92%) provided training on instrument cleaning and sterilisation for their dental nurses. Ultrasonic baths were used by 59% of practitioners; the remainder soaked or manually scrubbed instruments to remove debris before autoclaving. The Siqveland matrix was the matrix of choice for 96% of respondents. 7% provided a new matrix band for each patient. Most (64%) changed bands only when they were bent or damaged; 29% changed them daily or weekly. Deterrents to use of a new band for each patient were cost (39%) and time (52%). A total of 54% of respondents considered matrix band replacement unnecessary between patients.Conclusions: The Siqveland matrix band is the most popular among the study group of dental practitioners. Re-use of matrix bands is common. Guidelines for the safe re-use of matrix bands are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of glove perforation when double gloved or single gloved during the routine treatment of HIV-positive patients. In addition, a glove perforation indication system based on a double gloving technique was assessed.Design: Prospective, randomised and open study of glove perforation.Methods: 138 consecutive HIV-positive patients underwent routine dental treatment by senior dental staff and dental hygienists in a teaching hospital. Staff wore either single gloves (Regent Biogel D or standard surgical gloves) or double gloves (Regent 'Reveal' perforation indication system or standard surgical gloves). A subjective assessment of glove comfort, sensitivity and ease of donning was made using a visual analogue scale.Results: The incidence of glove perforation/procedure was low, 2.9%. There were no skin penetrating injuries, visible exposure to body fluids or unnoticed perforations. Double gloving was subjectively less comfortable and sensitive than single gloving (P < 0.0001). The glove perforation indication system did not increase the detection of intra-operative perforations.Conclusions: There is unlikely to be any significant benefit from the use of a double gloving technique or perforation indication system during the routine dental treatment of HIV-positive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infection control is ubiquitous in current dental practice. However, it might not always be best practice to take the 'you can't be too safe' route without first weighing up all the available evidence, risks and benefits. This article will discuss the balance between the conflicting priorities in relation to glove wearing and infection control within the dental setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the flammability of five brands of dental procedure glove.Design: A total of ten gloves of each brand (Biogel-D, Premier Protectors, Roeko-D, Safeskin Satin Plus and Schottlander Low Allergy) underwent flammability testing. Five of these were tested as supplied (unwashed) and five following the application of the hand disinfectant Hydrex (washed). Each glove was stretched over a metal frame and the time to ignition, when exposed to a standardised butane flame, recorded. In addition, the thickness of each glove was also assessed by micrometer measurement.Results: All the gloves tested ignited in less than 2.5 seconds. Two way analysis of variance revealed significant effects of glove type (P< 0.001) and treatment (P< 0.05), together with a significant interaction of these factors (P < 0.05), upon the ignition time. Washing Roeko-D gloves with Hydrex significantly (P< 0.01) retarded the ignition time compared with those in the unwashed state. Both the glove thickness and material type appeared to be related to ignition time.Conclusion: The work presented here demonstrates the acute and varying flammability of a range of dental procedure gloves. It should serve as a reminder to those who routinely use open flames whilst gloved of the dangers of this practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Glove wearing an assessment of evidence" in the 2015 issue.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to an article on the use of gloves by dentists in non-surgical procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article "Glove wearing: an assessment of the evidence," in the 2015 issue.

The article evaluates Unigloves Green LANO-E dental gloves from Initial Medical.

A letter to the editor is presented in response to tactile sensitivity and latex-free gloves in dentistry.

The article offers brief information on the SafeTouch Collagen Nitrile glove from A.R. Medicom, Inc.

The article offers brief information on the Nitrile gloves from UnoDent Ltd.

The article offers brief information on Micro-Touch Nitrile dental examination glove from Ansell Healthcare.

The article offers brief information on the Pearlescent nitrile disposable examination gloves.

The article evaluates the Hu-Friedy Lilac gloves from Hu-Friedy Manufacturing Co. Inc.

The article evaluates the Gammex PF Underglove surgical glove from Ansell Healthcare Inc.

The article evaluates two banded gloves, including the aloe vera coated gloves from Cybertech International and the nitrile sterling gloves from Kimberly Clark, and offers information about the product offerings of the Express Glove Department at Kent Express.

Focuses on Ansell Healthcare Europe NV's HydraSoft, a hydrating coating technology for surgical gloves. Inclusion of neutral, odorless ingredients in the gloves inner lining; Key features and benefits of the product.

BackgroundThe number of people with allergy to natural rubber latex (NRL) has increased significantly in recent years.AimTo assess the experiences of latex-allergic patients in accessing appropriate dental care, and also the willingness and ability of general dental practitioners to provide care for these patients.MethodTwo self completing postal questionnaires, one to patients and one to general dental practitioners.ResultsThe majority of latex-allergic patients are able to obtain dental treatment. Some do experience adverse reactions, which may be severe, in spite of precautions being taken. Although many general dental practitioners are willing to accept such patients for treatment, few appear to be fully aware of all the necessary precautions required. Most do not have policies for the management of sensitised patients and staff, and a number are still using powdered natural rubber latex gloves in spite of the risk to patients and staff.ConclusionLatex-allergic patients can usually obtain safe treatment in general dental practice, but more education of dentists about the risks associated with natural rubber latex is required. Information about the latex content of equipment would be advantageous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces Ansell Micro-Tech Glove range for the dental apparatus industry, developed by Ansell Healthcare Inc. Usability of the products; Features of the gloves; Resistance of the gloves to chemicals.

Introduces the Micro-Touch gloves from Ansell Healthcare Inc. Assessment on the quality of the items; Description on the design and style of the items; Product specifications.

IntroductionExamination gloves manufactured from natural latex have been the predominant glove choice to date in dental practice. However, concerns over hypersensitivity have resulted in the use of alternatives such as nitrile gloves. The aim of the current study was to assess the incidence of pre-existing pinhole defects in nitrile examination gloves.MethodsAir inflation, followed by water submersion, was used to assess the incidence of pre-existing pinhole defects in five nitrile and two latex glove types. The gloves were filled with a constant volume of air and submerged in 3 litres of water for 10 seconds while being observed for air bubbles which would indicate pinhole defects. The position and number of pinholes were noted for 100 gloves of each type investigated.ResultsThe incidence of pre-existing pinholes for latex gloves was 0% for the non-sterile surgical latex glove type and 3% for the powdered latex examination glove type, with pinholes located on the thumb, middle finger and ring finger. Of the nitrile gloves evaluated, three types were assessed to have no pre-existing pinhole defects. One type had a 2% incidence of pre-existing pinhole defects - one pinhole located on the thumb region of the glove and one on the ring finger portion of the glove. The fifth nitrile glove type had one pre-existing pinhole defect located on the middle finger.SignificanceAll glove types examined met the European Standard (EN 455-1) and there was no statistically significant difference between glove types. However, the nitrile gloves generally exhibited less pre-existing pinhole defects than the latex examination gloves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Features UnoDent PU-rity gloves for the dentistry practice. Protection against type I and IV allergic reactions; Use of polyurethane technology; Strength, softness and flexibility of the gloves.

Ansell Ltd. has recently launched new Derma Prene ULTRA neoprene gloves. Unlike most synthetic gloves, Derma Prene gloves contain no vulcanisation accelerators known to cause Type IV allergies. Also latex free and powder free, these features represent a significant reduction in the risks of skin reactions and allergies.

Reports on the contamination of heavy-duty rubber gloves used to protect from hazards associated with cleaning instruments before sterilization. Proposal for the use of mechanical washers for cleaning medical instruments; Need to discard gloves after cleaning medical instruments to prevent contamination.

Features gloves from Microflex Corp. Wet/dry gripping properties of the gloves; Failure rates; Residual chemical ratings.

Objective: To assess the flammability of five brands of dental procedure glove. Design A total of ten gloves of each brand (Biogel-D, Premier Protectors, Roeko-D, Safeskin Satin Plus and Schottlander Low Allergy) underwent flammability testing. Five of these were tested as supplied (unwashed) and five following the application of the hand disinfectant Hydrex (washed). Each glove was stretched over a metal frame and the time to ignition, when exposed to a standardised butane flame, recorded. In addition, the thickness of each glove was also assessed by micrometer measurement. Results All the gloves tested ignited in less than 2.5 seconds. Two way analysis of variance revealed significant effects of glove type (P < 0.001) and treatment (P<0.05), together with a significant interaction of these factors (P<0.05), upon the ignition time. Washing Roeko-D gloves with Hydrex significantly (P<0.01) retarded the ignition time compared with those in the unwashed state. Both the glove thickness and material type appeared to be related to ignition time. Conclusion The work presented here demonstrates the acute and varying flammability of a range of dental procedure gloves. It should serve as a reminder to those who routinely use open flames whilst gloved of the dangers of this practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the puncture resistance of a recently introduced non-latex, nitrile dental glove in comparison with a latex glove worn during routine clinical dental procedures. Setting Dentists in general dental practice working within the UK during 1999. Subjects and methods 2,020 gloves worn by five general dental practitioners were examined for punctures following standard clinical use by a water inflation method. Procedures undertaken during glove usage and length of time worn were recorded. Results Following clinical use, 1.9% of the latex gloves and 5.3% of the nitrile gloves had punctures, a statistically significant difference (P < 0.0001). The puncture resistance of the nitrile gloves was superior to the puncture resistance of previously tested worn non-latex (vinyl) gloves. There was no evidence of a statistically significant difference between operators for the percentage or incidence of punctured gloves (P = 0.787) after correcting for glove type. No statistically significant difference was noted between incidence of puncture in the control, unused gloves (n = 200 for each type) and the gloves examined following clinical use (P = 0.907 for nitrile, P = 0.613 for latex). Conclusion No increase in the number of punctures was noted following clinical use for either glove type. This could be considered to indicate good puncture resistance of the gloves tested in clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]