Perfect combination

Whilst protecting the dental team from exposure to infections at work, PPE should not be relied on for sole protection. PPE should be used in combination with other preventive measures such as safe working practices, adequate surgery ventilation and immunisation. According to HCAI Code of Practice, clinical members of the dental team should be trained in proper use and selection of PPE required during clinical work and instrument decontamination. PPE used in dentistry is required to be CE marked as this guarantees appropriate functional performance. Used PPE is disposed of as hazardous clinical waste.

It is important to realise that gloves do not prevent sharps injuries. Gloves are recommended for all dental treatment but should not be worn as an alternative to hand washing. They are single use items and are donned at the start of the treatment and removed at the end of the procedure. To avoid contaminating oneself, remove gloves aseptically so that the outside of the glove is not touched with the bare hand. Note that gloves can develop tears during use and may leak, so hands are required to be cleaned after disposing of gloves. Gloves made of nitrile or neoprene are preferred over latex gloves as both staff and patients can become sensitised to latex and accelerators used in glove manufacture. Sterile gloves should always be used for invasive surgery. Heavy duty gloves rather than examination gloves are worn for cleaning of dental instruments as they are less likely to be punctured by sharp instruments and protect hands from irritant chemicals.