BENEFITS


The Importance of Glove Ergonomics in Dentistry


by REVA DARLING GOUCHER T


he dental profession began using dis- posable gloves nearly three decades ago but until recently, the long-term


ergonomic effects of prolonged use of gloves were largely unknown. While highly effec- tive in preventing cross-contamination and ensuring clinician and patient safety, the daily use of traditional disposable gloves can contribute to debilitating musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).


Encasing your hand, fingers and wrist in gloves is like wearing a giant rubber band. The constriction caused by compression over time can affect delicate nerves and blood vessels. Additionally, engaging in prolonged muscle effort using chronic, repetitive move- ments of the hand and wrist, especially with the hand in “pinch” position, can result in serious hand and wrist conditions such as hand fatigue, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. More than 50 percent of dental professionals have reported hand fatigue¹ and 65 percent of registered dental hygien- ists reported having carpal tunnel syndrome. Signs of MSDs include decreased range of motion, loss of normal sensation and movement, decreased grip strength and loss of coordination. These serious conditions are painful and lead to loss of productivity, excessive medical costs and potential long- term damage if untreated. Fortunately, these conditions are preventable.


Over the past several years, there have been many notable improvements in glove manu- facturing. Concerned manufacturers, such as Microflex, have endeavored to address the growing concern about MSDs for the dental profession and have engineered materials to


24 focus | JAN/FEB 2016 | ISSUE 1


help minimize muscle exertion. They have developed several ambidextrous nitrile and neoprene gloves that are extremely thin, malleable, and do not force the thumb into an unnatural posture. To verify their new nitrile formulas reduce hand stress, Microflex sought out and gained a special ergonomic certification from an independent firm that specializes in testing ergonomic product claims. Choosing a glove with an ergonomic certification is significant to the long-term protection of dental professionals.


What is the benefit of using an ergonomically certified glove? “A product that has received certification provides measurable ergonomic benefits to the anticipated users by improv- ing comfort and fit and by minimizing the risk factors that may contribute to the devel- opment of ergonomic injuries,” according to U.S. Ergonomics.


A comprehensive study conducted by U.S. Ergonomics found that Microflex XCEED®, Ultraform® and Neogard® gloves markedly reduced muscle effort compared to other leading competitors’ brands. In side-by-side testing, the gloves even outperformed bare- hand manipulations in some cases, showing a reduction in muscle effort compared to not wearing gloves. The lessened effort reduces the chances of developing injuries, pain and MSDs.


As a dental professional, your hands are one of your most precious assets. Educate your staff on the importance of ergonomic safety and be sure you are making knowledgeable product selections for those products you use on a daily basis. Look for the U.S. Ergonomics


seal, ensuring the products you and your staff are using are designed to help prevent MSDs and prevent long-term damage.


For more information and to order or request free glove and mask samples, call Association Gloves at 877-484-6149 or shop securely online at www.mdagloves.com. f


REVA DARLING GOUCHER is Marketing Manager for Association Gloves, which is endorsed by the Missouri Dental Association and is focused on meeting the examination glove needs of dental association members across the U.S. Association Gloves has been providing quality, brand-name, value-priced gloves to association members since 2007.


REFERENCES


1. Guignon, Anne Nugent Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), MPH “What’s happening to your hands?” Accessed Sept. 14, 2011.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48