You state that there is no contact with the teeth, gums or salvia of a patient in many of your procedures. Based on this recommendation, OSHA included this provision in the final standard. At a minimum, gloves must be used where there is reasonable anticipation of employee hand contact with blood or OPIM, or non-intact skin. A section of the standard requires that employers provide gloves in the appropriate size. Using the correct sized glove would help to eliminate some of the discomfort and help to promote employee participation.
Some employees are allergic to latex.
Employees who are allergic to the gloves should be provided with one of these alternatives. The use of gloves as means of protecting employees in the dental setting is not a new concept. We hope this information is responsive to your needs. I want to add my voice to what I hope will increasingly become a loud chorus pressing for much needed change. My practice is limited to orthodontics.