When should gloves be worn in the dental setting?

In the dental setting, gloves should always be worn when touching patient surfaces to maintain a high standard of infection control. This practice helps to prevent the transmission of harmful pathogens between the dental team and the patient, as well as between patients themselves. Wearing gloves provides a barrier that protects both the practitioner and the patient from potential infections that can occur through direct contact with blood, saliva, or other body fluids.

Gloves are part of standard precautions and are essential not only during procedures but also when handling items that may come into contact with patient surfaces, including examination tools, dental chairs, and other equipment. By wearing gloves consistently when interacting with the patient's environment, it's ensured that cross-contamination risks are minimized, keeping everyone safer within the dental practice.