Healthcare workers including dentists and dental hygienists are the most affected occupational group for latex allergy due to their frequent donning and removal of latex gloves.
1 Data shows that up to 10% of healthcare workers are diagnosed with latex allergy, and it is believed this figure may underrepresent affected populations.
2
Due to their frequent repeat exposure, all dental professionals who use latex gloves should be considered high risk for allergic reaction.3
Even as many dental practices transition away from latex gloves, latex allergy remains a highly prevalent occupational health hazard among practitioners. That is, in part, because latex is present not only in gloves but also in common dental products such as dental dams, bite blocks, mixing bowls, syringes, suction tips, oxygen masks, adhesive bandages and more.
4 The frequency with which dental practitioners make contact with additional latex products may not be as high as the exposure to allergens from a latex glove.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN NON-LATEX GLOVES
Given the hidden dangers and high risks of Type I hypersensitivity in the dental practice, transitioning to synthetic hand protection is vital. Gloves constructed of nitrile and neoprene eliminate the risk of causing Type I latex allergy. Synthetic glove offerings differ widely, though, and it is important to evaluate their unique attributes to ensure practitioners are afforded the strength, comfort and tactile sensitivity required in wet and dry applications alike.
- Seek gloves that are certified to enhance ergonomic performance
- Ergonomics help support dental practitioners’ comfort, health and productivity.
- Combination of specialised formulations and innovative designs is key to:
- Support natural muscle movement
- Alleviate muscle strain and tension
- Reduce risk of ergonomic stress and injury
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