PROTECTIVE GEAR

In addition to hand hygiene, the use of protective gear such as gloves, mask, gowns and eyewear by all dental staff involved in patient care is essential to safeguard both patients and care providers. Washing one’s hands does not sterilise them. Therefore, wearing gloves after the hands have been thoroughly cleaned and properly dried will provide more protection for patients. Your dentist is supposed to wear different types of gloves for different procedures. 

For non-surgical procedures, non-sterile examination gloves are acceptable. However, sterile surgical gloves are required for surgical procedures. Surgical mask protects the patient against microorganisms generated by the wearer.