For Comfort & Durability, ‘Don’ Forget These Gloves

It’s a daily mantra for just about everyone. “Keys, wallet, phone” is a trio of reminders for most people to cancel out the chance of forgetting the essentials when going out the door everyday. But for hygienists, there’s a fourth component that’s critical each workday. In fact, it’s something they’re so accustomed to donning, they likely don’t even have to think about it. That fourth necessity? Gloves!

But the trouble with gloves, as every dental clinician undoubtedly will say, is that there are hundreds available on the market, and their levels of comfort and durability, as well as the variety of material compositions, are as numerous as the number of purchase options. Finding well-fitting gloves that stand up to the rigors of a strenuous dental workflow simply adds another layer of precious time to practices already working through hectic schedules. Having practiced for almost 3 decades, Charles Liu, DMD, has worn hundreds of gloves, and he’s happy to volunteer his biggest criticisms when it comes to gloves.

“My 2 biggest pet peeves are when gloves tear when donning, and when I have difficulty donning gloves because my hands are not fully dried after washing.” And that’s the short story of how Patterson Dental’s Chloroprene Exam Gloves became a welcome addition to Dr. Liu’s supply cabinet.

Add the Strength, Subtract the Latex

With the durability and fit normally associated with natural rubber latex—yet with none of the potential allergen issues—Patterson Dental’s Chloroprene Exam Gloves provide both comfort and sweat reduction during long procedures. Chloroprene is a synthetic rubber that is also known by the trade name Neoprene. Recently awarded a DPS Recommended Product badge by a team of evaluators, the gloves are non-sterile and made from soft, hand-conforming polychloroprene synthetic polymer. In addition, the gloves are also powder-free and medical grade. Thanks to Patterson’s Flat Stack Technology, the Chloroprene Exam Gloves are packaged using a fully automated flat stacking process, a feature that allows for efficient, one-at-a-time dispensing. Additionally, the exceptional strength and elasticity of the material makes for easy, trouble-free, and tear-resistant donning and doffing.

“Removing these gloves from the box was never an issue, nor was donning and doffing,” Dr. Liu shared. “They were very easy to put on, even when my hands were slightly wet. The gloves were also surprisingly comfortable, even during long procedures,” he added.

Exceptional Fit and Grip

Featuring a pleasantly varied color selection of aqua, black, and pink, Patterson Chloroprene Exam Gloves also offer clinicians exceptional fit even for difficult-to-fit hands and fingers. The gloves feature an optimal grip and tactile sensitivity, along with a textured finish and slightly roughened fingertips that together allow for trouble-free gripping in both wet and dry conditions. And at a time when many clinicians and patients report severe allergies to latex, Patterson Chloroprene Exam Gloves are latex-free.

“These Chloroprene gloves have all the great performance characteristics of latex gloves without the allergy-inducing qualities of latex,” Dr. Liu added.

Patterson Chloroprene Exam Gloves are designed with straight fingers, with the thumb and fingers in one plane, and are ambidextrous. For added convenience and comfort, the single-use gloves feature a rolled, beaded cuff, are available in XS, S, M, L, and XL sizes, and are packaged 200 pieces per box.

“I liked these gloves,” Dr. Liu said. “I’d give them a 10 out of 10!”