Modied double-gloving technique for extra nger protection in prosthodontic treatment

Yen-Chen Ku, DDS,a and Yu-Fu Shen, DDSb Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan

Fig. 1. A, Finger sections of surgical gloves cut as nger gloves. B, Finger gloves on ngers where most perforations occur. C, Thumb and index nger protected with double layers of gloves.

The use of barrier techniques including disposable gloves is the accepted approach to protect health care workers.1 During prosthodontic occlusal adjustment, and nishing or polishing procedures of prostheses, glove perforations may occur. Longer treatment courses are known to increase the possibility of glove perforation.2 For surgeons, the index nger of the nondominant hand is the nger most susceptible to glove perforation.3 For prosthodontists, glove perforations of the thumb and the index nger of the nondominant hand are quite probable because the prosthodontist frequently holds the prostheses with these 2 ngers. Several authors have suggested a double-gloving technique for self-protection and infection control in medical and dental practices.2-5 A modied doublegloving technique for improving self-protection for prosthodontists is suggested.

3. The thumb and index nger of the non-dominant hand should be covered (Fig. 1, C). Some authors suggest using colored inner gloves for improved perforation detection.5
REFERENCES
1. Siew C, Chang SB, Gruninger SE, Verrusio AC, Neidle EA. Self-reported percutaneous injuries in dentists: implications for HBV, HIV, transmission risk. J Am Dent Assoc 1992;127:36-44. 2. Patton LL, Campbell TL, Evers SP. Prevalence of glove perforations during double-gloving for dental procedures. Gen Dent 1995;43:22-6. 3. Schwimmer A, Massoumi M, Barr CE. Efcacy of double gloving to prevent inner glove perforation during outpatient oral surgical procedures. J Am Dent Assoc 1994;125:196-8. 4. Dodds RD, Barker SG, Morgan NH, Donaldson DR, Thomas MH. Self protection in surgery: the use of double gloves. Br J Surg 1990;77:219-20. 5. Duron JJ, Keilani K, Elian NG. Efcacy of double gloving with a coloured inner pair for immediate detection of operative glove perforations. Eur J Surg 1996;162:941-4. Reprint requests to: DR YEN-CHEN KU DEPARTMENT OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY CHANG GUNG MEMORIAL HOSPITAL NO.5, FU HSING ST KWEISHAN, TAOYUAN TAIWAN FAX: 886-3-327-8928 E-MAIL: paul20@ms7.url.com.tw Copyright 2003 by The Editorial Council of The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. 0022-3913/2003/$30.00 0

PROCEDURE
1. Cut nger sections of surgical glove (Ansell International, Melaka, Malaysia) to produce nger gloves (Fig. 1, A). 2. Put the cut nger gloves on the ngers where most perforations occur before wearing the sterilized gloves for treating a patient (Fig. 1, B).
a

Attending Staff Dentist, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry. Chair, Department of Prosthetic Dentistry. J Prosthet Dent 2003;89:618.
b

doi:10.1016/S0022-3913(03)00170-7

618 THE JOURNAL OF PROSTHETIC DENTISTRY

VOLUME 89 NUMBER 6