Comfort and frictional properties of dental gloves.
OBJECTIVE
A survey of general dental practitioners and dental surgery assistants was carried out to ascertain their preferences and opinions on powder-free hydrogel-coated gloves compared with starch-powdered gloves. The aim was to relate the survey findings to laboratory measurements of the frictional characteristics of glove inner surfaces and their water absorptive capability.


METHODS
The survey was carried out using a questionnaire given to local dental practitioners. Glove friction and water absorption measurements were made using specially designed equipment.


RESULTS
The survey showed that a selected group of dentist and dental surgery assistants preferred hydrogel-coated gloves, particularly for damp donning, durability and long-term wear comfort. Laboratory measurements showed that the hydrogel coating gave a low friction coefficient against damp skin. The coating was durable, and absorbed water more readily than other treatments.


CONCLUSIONS
A survey of dental practitioners and dental surgery assistants and laboratory measurements indicates that hydrogel-coated gloves have superior properties, and are preferred to other non-sterile glove types.
Roberts
A D
AD
Malaysian Rubber Producers' Research Association, Hertford, UK.
Brackley
C A
CA
D000042:Absorption; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D003726:Dental Assistants / Q000523:psychology; D003815:Dentists / Q000523:psychology; D017276:Friction; D005782:Gels; D005932:Gloves, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D013213:Starch; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014867:Water
C095810:Biogel D; D005782:Gels; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D014867:Water; D013213:Starch