What is the primary purpose of gloves in a dental setting?

The primary purpose of gloves in a dental setting is to act as single-use items during the treatment of no more than one patient. This practice is crucial for maintaining infection control. Gloves serve as a barrier to prevent the transmission of pathogens between dental professionals and patients, and using them as single-use items ensures that any potential contaminants from one patient are not transferred to another.

Infection control protocols dictate that gloves should be changed between patients to minimize the risk of cross-contamination, which aligns with the principles of standard precautions in healthcare. Proper glove usage also reinforces a safe and hygienic environment within the dental practice, promoting the overall safety of both patients and staff.