Use of gloves and prevalence of glove-related reactions in a sample of general dental practitioners in Italy

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the frequency of the use of gloves and to assess the prevalence of glove-related symptoms in a sample of Italian dentists with a high occupational exposure to latex gloves. Method and materials: A 31-question instrument was mailed to all dentists (n = 550) practicing in the town of Bologna during 1994 to determine the type of procedures for which gloves were worn by dentists and the prevalence of self-reported glove-related symptoms. Results: Of the dentists who replied to the items (n = 160), 94% reported that they usually wear nonsterile latex examination gloves; and 46% reported that they wear surgical gloves, even if not exclusively. About 98% reported changing gloves after contact with each patient, and 14% reported using disinfectants to treat examination gloves. Of the 106 respondents claiming to use examination gloves for surgical activities, 79 (74%) reported wearing them for extractions. Sterile surgical gloves were reported to be mostly worn for implant placement (47%) and periodontal surgery (42%). There were 46 (29%) responses indicating glove-related problems; of those subjects, 14 (30%) reported having other allergies. Conclusion: The use of gloves is common in the sample of Italian dentists, and the choice between nonsterile examination gloves and sterile surgical gloves seems to be made appropriately.