Blog posts of '2021' 'March'

Every Dental Professional knows that where it comes to health and quality, there simply are no shortcuts. Competent, consistent, and high-quality patient care means investing in the best possible staff, equipment, and supplies. 

This has always been a tricky balancing act – and it has become more difficult than ever.

The global pandemic has affected business across the spectrum, and the business side of Dentistry is no exception. A big question on the mind of just about every solo dental practitioner these days is: How can I save costs?

How to Save on Dental Costs

 Your dental practice may be unique, but running a business comes with the same challenges for every industry. There are only so many overheads and expenses that you can carry before the financial wheels start to come off. That's when we need to make the hard choices – and cut. Much of the pain can be avoided by making wise choices from the start.

For the typical dental business, you will have to cater for employee salaries, facility costs, equipment costs, operational costs, supply costs, and marketing costs. When the financial pinch is felt, it becomes a matter of prioritizing - but there is only so much you can cut before you start undermining your future.

Often, saving money means that as a Dentist, you have to walk a tightrope. Making the wrong choice could hurt your business. You need to maintain the essential operational framework intact in order to hold onto your staff and to avoid scaring patients out the door.

The good news is that by carefully managing your dentist supply store relationship, operating and lab expenses, you can add tens of thousands of dollars to your bottom line. With that in mind, here are some useful guidelines for reducing overhead expenses, starting with supply costs.

Cost-Cutting Guidelines

• Take a ruthless look at your income statement. Identify all superfluous expenditures, such as items used for labor, supplies, lab fees, and doctor benefits.

• Explore house brands. Today,  the quality of private-label goods is higher and better than ever before. Retailers have full control over the development of their private brands, which significantly decreased the gap of distinctive quality between house brands and popular labels. For smaller dentist practices private dentist labels is a key to staying ahead of the competition. 

• Pay more attention to the hidden expenses: Defective product returns, overstocked items held in inventory, and shipping and handling charges.

• Diversify vendor portfolio. While managing multiple vendors can complicate supplier relationships, it reduces dependency, increases the flexibility of moving products, simplifies logistics, which allows better and faster delivery. Overall, having multiple vendors sophisticates competition, and optimizes price for products.

• Reexamine your facility costs. You will be surprised at how much money can be saved by using cost-saving light fittings, using motion sensors, or Investing in a waterless vacuum system, for example.

Set (and Firmly Enforce) a Fixed Budget

It might seem impossible to calculate a set budget, especially for things that are used sporadically or in unexpected ways. Don't let that stop you! Dig out the records, and start by calculating and evaluating your average spend in detail over the previous years. This will give you a ballpark idea. Knowing your numbers brings peace of mind, and helps you keep your finger on the pulse of your business expenditure – and then – be ruthless with those unnecessary costs.

Reevaluate Your Ordering Strategies

Order only what is needed. While you are setting the budget, checking previous years for average supply spend, be sure to also check how much supply you are typically holding. Are you carrying too much? Could you save by ordering in greater bulk? This is also where the benefits of group and bulk buying factor in. 

Understand your order. It might be drudgery and keep you away from your patients, but knowing the details about what is on the market could save you a bundle. Are there cheaper alternatives? Can your representative negotiate better rates? Do they offer free goods or other cost-saving strategies? For example – if you offer them a larger share of your monthly buying budget, can they give you a better deal? The time and effort you spend in this research are certainly worth the savings you will see on the bottom line.

                                                             

Keep an Iron Grip on Your Inventory

Usually, convenience outweighs costs – but in tough times, you may have to change your strategy. Especially if your dental practice has multiple locations, it is highly likely that most of them have unused, overstocked items in the storerooms.

A huge supply sitting idle is a waste. Instead of stocking extra supplies in every room, keep the boxed inventories tightly controlled in the supply room. Keep tabs on where your supplies are going, and streamline the efficiencies. Tighter admin saves money.

Reexamine your Insurance Spending

Insurance tends to be something we purchase once, and then it gets relegated to the back of the mind – until it's time to pay the bills, that is!

Your business is changing, though, so it's wise to ensure that your insurance coverage changes along with the needs of your business. Set an appointment to review your coverage, and take the time to compare the rates you are paying, along with the details of the coverage with at least two to three competing insurance agents. You might save substantially on your premiums, plus you make sure that you avoid serious financial loss from being under- or over-insured.

Consider Buying Groups and DSO Affiliation

This may be the last item on the list, but it certainly isn't the least important. The DSO (Dental Service Organization) and Dental Buying Group model seems to be the direction the overall international dental market is taking.

In previous blog posts, we went into more detail about whether your practice should be part of a Dental Support Organizationthe, and group structures in modern dentistry. If this is something you are considering, read our POV on the benefits and drawbacks of the Group Dental Practice Model.

The cost-saving potential is a factor that weighs heavily in the minds of many solo practitioners. 

The simple economics of scale mean that large groups get preferential prices, more attention and better service from the supply companies, and better deals and perks.  

As you can see from the guidelines above, saving money and cutting costs is not going to be quick and effortless. A busy Dentist, especially if you are running your own practice, seldom has the time to invest in running the administration efficiently – and that is one of the biggest drawcards of the DSO model. It makes sense to leave the buying, stocking, ordering, staff administration, the legal and insurance hassles – all of the drudgery we have covered in this post – to the professionals, while you focus on your core strength – being a great Dentist.

In conclusion: Times are tough for businesses worldwide, and only those that adapt and tighten their belts will thrive in the long term. It just makes sense to become more cost-conscious.

 

Gloves are a crucial daily item for a dentist's practice, used so often that we may sometimes forget their importance, and, how critical it is to pay attention to the material, fit, and quality. Oral Health professionals are at risk of disease exposure on a day-to-day basis, it is important for us to use the best quality dental gloves to protect our staff and patients. 

Recommendations and regulations have been formulated by the federal government for the prevention of disease transmission and the performance of safe procedures. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States has developed recommendations and guidelines for both patients and clinicians alike. As of now, infection control in a dental practice particularly comes from the 'Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Healthcare Settings' laid down by the CDC in 2003.

Here’s what we are going to cover: 

1. Types of disposable medical gloves

2. Glove types based on material

3. Advantages & disadvantages of nitrile gloves 

4. 5 steps to selecting the right glove 

5. The importance of ergonomics and fit 

6. Facts & Myths on dentist use of gloves 

7. Our community selection of top products 

8. Medical Glove FAQs

In order to have adequate protection and safety for both clinicians and patients, it is essential to follow these guidelines, practice proper hand hygiene, select the right disposable medical glove type, brand and follow the steps of correct glove use. 

Here is a complete guide on the uses of nitrile gloves for savvy dentists followed by the frequently asked questions. But first, let’s see what the types of gloves are.

Types of medical gloves

1) Examination gloves and surgical gloves

For use in the medical fields, the gloves are categorized as Examination and Surgical. Both categories are subject to FDA authorization and only those which are FDA-approved can be used in clinics by doctors and dentists.

The examination gloves are not meant for surgical procedures. They are utilized when examining patients and carrying out procedures involving contact with mucous membranes. In contrast, the surgical gloves are sterile and are to be used for oral surgeries. Both examination and surgical gloves are medical-grade. However, the surgical ones are superior in quality and provide a more accurate fit and better tactile sensation.

 

2) Chlorinated and Non-chlorinated Gloves

In the category of powder-free gloves, you can choose between chlorinated or non-chlorinated disposable medical gloves. As the name suggests, chlorinated gloves are chlorine-treated rather than the typical powder, but retain the benefits of powdered gloves. 

On the contrary, chlorine-free gloves are more like the regular examination glove minus the chlorine odor. Note that non-chlorinated gloves are lined by gel/silicone coating and are more liable to cause allergies as compared to the chlorinated ones.

3) Powdered and Powder-free Gloves

Most of the nitrile gloves are powder-free. The powdered gloves were lined with cornstarch for easier donning but they were banned by the FDA in December 2016. This was due to allergies they might cause to the user’s skin and patient sensitivity.

On the other hand, the gloves that are not lined with powder are free of residue and decrease the risk of an allergic reaction. 

 

Glove types based on material

1. Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are superlative all-purpose gloves, appropriate for an array of applications. They provide the following features and benefits.

• Can be used as a good barrier for solvents, oils, hydrocarbons, and some acids and bases.

• Are highly puncture-resistant, and has excellent chemical resistance.

• Any damage or tear is easily seen.

• Nitrile gloves are a great choice for unexpected chemical splash protection.

2. Latex gloves

Have high dexterity and sensitivity due to thin material usage, latex medical gloves are one of the most commonly used in the medical field. Additional features and precautions include the following.

• Provide a good barrier and protection against infection.

• These are suitable for inorganic chemicals but not very suitable for organic solvents.

• Oils and hydrocarbon derivatives should be avoided.

• They have high flexibility and dexterity.

• Puncture holes are hard to detect. 

• High dermatitis potential.

• Common cause of latex allergy. 

3. Vinyl gloves

Often used as the less expensive choice, the use of vinyl gloves is not recommended with glutaraldehyde, alcohol or chemotherapeutic drugs. Its highlights include:

• Resistant to oils and ozone.

• Are latex-free.

• Anti-static.

• Have limited durability.

• Mediocre elasticity and tensile strength.

• Increased potential for punctures and tears.

• Their use of chemicals is limited.

Advantages of Nitrile Disposable Gloves

Nitrile gloves are best against tear, cut, and puncture resistance. The material is also good for handling abrasives and chemicals.

• Durable and long-lasting.

• Have excellent puncture and tear resistance. 

• Provide an effective barrier against a variety of chemicals. 

• Particularly important and used in cases of latex allergy.

• Can be molded to your hands for a good fit.

• Comfortable when worn for long periods.

• Can be used in high-risk cases involving infection.

• Resistant to numerous chemicals.

• Their dark colors (blue or black) help in the identification of punctures.

Limitations of Nitrile Gloves

• They are not very flexible when compared to natural rubber latex gloves

• Can be damaged with oxygen, ozone, and ultraviolet light [1]

• Might have less tactile sensitivity and have a slightly higher average price point. 

Considerations for Glove Selection

When looking at buying your dental glove supplies in bulk, ensure to keep in mind the below pointers. 

1. Barrier Integrity 

The performance reliability of gloves varies from one type to another. The barrier integrity is one of the factors that influence their infection control potential. It is described as the level of protection from pathogens (absence of tears or holes) it offers during use. 

Barrier integrity is affected by the manufacturing process and gloves’ base material. When choosing gloves, the barrier integrity that your brand provides should be considered.

2. Quality of the Manufacturing Process 

The manufacturing of gloves is an intricate procedure. To summarize, it involves dipping of the glove precursors into a liquid solution or suspension, next, rinsing, curing, and stripping of the gloves is done after which drying follows. Powder-free gloves then need further processing. High-quality standards of manufacturing are crucial for tailoring first-rate quality medical gloves. 

Thus, it is important to rigorously monitor the glove manufacturing process in order to obtain the excellent physical properties of the final product. 

It’s okay to request from the manufacturer the barrier performance data before you make a purchase, typically resellers will also have this data.

3. Base Glove Materials 

Understanding the material used to manufacture the gloves holds will help you choose the right gloves for you and it also reflects its barrier integrity. Most commonly used exam gloves’ base material include: 

1. Natural rubber latex (NRL)

2. Two synthetic materials including acrylonitrile-butadiene (nitrile), and polyvinyl chloride (vinyl, PVC). 

While the intrinsic physical properties of the diverse glove materials is important, the in-use durability of the gloves should also be assessed. This has been evaluated in several published studies on NRL, vinyl and nitrile exam gloves. These studies were done in diverse conditions and with varied stressors. Showing different strengths and durability with different materials. For example, Ker et al.’s 2002 study stated that the leakage percentage rates of standard vinyl and latex (NRL) were 35% and 9.0% respectively while in 2004 Ker et al.’s durability study reported the same to be 35.5%, 9.0% for these two materials including 7.5% for nitrile. [2, 3] 

Given the data, it is shown that nitrile gloves have the least leakage rate and are the most durable of the three materials. Glove selection recommendations have been made based on such studies. For instance, CDC’s Guidelines for Isolation Precautions, categorizes nitrile and NRL gloves to be preferable over vinyl for various clinical procedures that are done dexterously or those that may involve patient contact. [4]

4. Anticipated Characteristics 

Beside barrier integrity, several important characteristics are desired by dentists and medical professionals wearing disposable medical gloves. The attributes commonly desired are as follows.

• Convenient removal from the container

• Easy donning

• Flexibility providing convenient movement 

• Adequate fitting 

• Safe grip

• Perceptible sensitivity 

These predilections are subjective and task-dependent. Hence, individual staff glove evaluation is suggestive to ensure quality.

5 Steps to Choose the Best Glove Type

Make the best choice of glove depending upon the following aspects.

1. The procedure to be undertaken. The best choice of the gloves should be made according to the task at hand e.g., patient examination or surgery)

2. The material of the glove depending upon skin sensitivity. In case of latex allergy, non-latex, such as dental nitrile gloves should be used. Visa versa, latex gloves should be used for nitrile allergy.

3. Choose the right fit. Ensure that the size of the glove best fits your hand before making a bulk purchase. It should not be too loose or too tight. Ideally, a variety of sizes should be available at your office. Too large a size can hinder your task performance whereas, too small gloves may be uncomfortable. 

4. Good tactile sensation. When choosing the right glove it should be ensured that the tactile sensation of your skin should not be dramatically reduced. This depends upon the glove grip, thickness, and slipperiness of the material when wet.

5. Prefer ambidextrous gloves. The gloves should allow equally well usage of both right and left hands; largely dependent upon the clinician’s preference.

Why Are Glove Ergonomics Important?

We all know that clinicians and hygienists wear gloves while examining or treating patients in order to minimize cross-contamination and maximize both clinician and patient safety. But, what most of us don’t know is that day-to-day use of disposable dental gloves may subsequently lead to incapacitating musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). 

Wearing gloves for extended periods constricts your hands which in turn can compress the nerves and vessels. While you know that dental procedures involve repetitive hand and wrist muscle activity, this, in a pinched position can severely impact the hand and arm. As a result, symptoms such as hand fatigue, inflammation of the tendons, and carpal tunnel syndrome can occur.

More than 50% of dentists have reportedly had hand fatigue 1 and about 65% of registered dental hygienists have had carpal tunnel syndrome. The signs of MSD can include the following.

• Reduced range of motion

• Diminished sensation

• Difficulty and pain in movement

• Reduced strength of grip

• Loss of coordination 

Despite that these conditions are painful, they can also result in the loss of productivity, expensive medical treatment, and possible long-standing impairment if not treated. Hence, it is important to be vigilant about using ergonomically-right gloves. 

While the use of gloves in the dental profession dates back to several decades, their long-term effects on hand ergonomics have been largely unknown. However, it was only recently that some brands are starting to pay attention to the health of the hands of dental professionals by producing ergonomically-friendly gloves. [5]

Myths and Facts on Disposable Gloves

There are several myths prevailing about gloves and their performance. Knowing these myths and their realities is important to select the right glove for each task performance. These myths include the following.

Myth #1: Textured gloves provide superior grip

Reality: About disposable gloves, it is thought that the more textured they are the better grip they provide. However, texture plays an insignificant role in grip and smooth-surfaced gloves can also provide better grip. The grip largely depends on the surface treatment of the glove such as surface chlorination and coating. Chlorination alters the surface characteristics and produces a lower-tack, tough shell surrounding the glove, while also reducing the surface tack over the glove.

Myth #2: Exam Gloves’ safety remains constant with prolonged use

Reality: When in use, gloves may undergo wear and develop holes. It has been shown that the defect rate of gloves increases with prolonged use. In addition, if the curing and cross-linking is not adequate, dental nitrile gloves can swell and gradually develop defects or holes or defects over time. Defects frequently occur in the part in between the forefinger and thumb.

Myth #3: Gloves can be 100% single material composition

Reality: It is frequently claimed by glove suppliers that the composition of their gloves is "100%" pure, containing only the specified material. However, practically it is not possible to manufacture usable gloves of any material including nitrile, NRL, or latex without additives. Incorporating cross-linking agents, curatives, and accelerators to natural latex and nitrile exam gloves is important to produce strong and durable gloves. As for vinyl, plasticizers and activation agents are needed for strength. Additionally, most gloves also contain surfactants that support film formulation. 

Myth #4: Fillers reduce glove performance

Reality: Fillers are added in gloves in significant amounts. While fillers reduce the cost of the gloves, they also help to improve certain glove characteristics such as tear strength in natural latex gloves, improved via calcium carbonate fillers. However, the key is moderation, and up to 15% filler content can be added. Beyond this can negatively impact the glove’s performance.

Myth #5: Nitrile or vinyl gloves can address allergy issues

Reality: Allergies caused by glove use is a great concern for users. It is generally thought that glove-related allergies only occur due to natural latex material but this perception is not always true. What’s true, however, is that allergies caused by latex gloves are the most common and serious ones. These allergies can have systemic effects and can lead to anaphylactic shock.

Components found in both vinyl and nitrile gloves can provoke a chemical allergy. For instance, dental nitrile gloves and natural latex gloves mostly have carbamates or thiazoles that may lead to skin allergy. Several vinyl gloves use activation agents which may also cause skin allergies.

Myth #6: The term ‘powder-free’ denotes clean gloves

Reality: The procedure used to make a glove "powder-free" does leave residual chemicals on the surface of the gloves. The process of removing powder from the glove is done commonly by their surface treatment. The types of surface treatments include chlorination and adding of a polymer coating or wax. The gloves are washed before packing in the traditional process of chlorination. The purpose of washing the gloves is to remove any residues from them.

Myth #7: All disposable gloves are the same 

Reality: the general perception that all disposable gloves are the same stands false, as studies, already talked about above (Ker et al.) have shown that the leakage rates of different materials are different, each glove material comes with different physical characteristics, therefore, different prices. Typically, nitrile exam gloves are considered superior to latex, and latex are considered superior to vinyl. 

In actuality, all the materials have diverse properties. For example, nitrile has a higher resistance to puncture and can comparatively withstand more chemicals including solvents and oils. Likewise, latex has improved tear resistance, typically has a better fit, and has superior dexterity. Vinyl, on the other hand, has the finest electrostatic dissipation and can resist sulfuric acid better than latex or nitrile.

There is a slight difference in the glove properties from one brand to another as well. This reflects the different composition and standards of manufacturing processes used by the specific manufacturers. 

Myth #8: Low-cost gloves save you money

Reality: Choosing gloves entirely based on their price is a great mistake one would make. The value of the glove lies in more than just its cost. Other than price, durability, productivity, and safety risks also play an important part. [6]

Our Top Pick Dental Gloves Online

Aurelia transform

• The quality and durability that most dentists desire, comes in Aurelia Transform Powder-Free Nitrile Gloves.

• 100% latex-free, can be used by practitioners with skin sensitivity to latex.

• It offers improved barrier protection alongside impersonating the comfort of latex gloves. 

• They are ergonomic-friendly thus, preventing hand fatigue.

• They deliver the right comfort and fit your hands.

• Aurelia Transform glove comes with 2.8 mil thickness that retains the right sensitivity. 

• Their variety of colors offers something that meets every dentist’s choice.  You can now get excellent quality gloves at an affordable price.

Aurelia Sonic

• The innovative personal protective gloves, the Aurelia Sonic are the best blend of durability and tactility. 

• They are nitrile exam gloves that are 100% latex-free.

• This ultra-thin formulation (2.2 mil) provides seamless fit to your hands whilst maintaining an excellent tactile sensation. 

• Automated packing offers the convenience of single glove dispensing

• These come in indigo blue color and allow smooth use for prolonged periods without tearing. The color contrast also increases visibility in case there is a tear or puncture.

Aurelia Amazing 

• Aurelia Amazing meets the needs of dentists desiring the highest level of comfort and sensitivity.

• These nitrile disposable gloves are 100% latex-free, ideal for those allergic to latex.

• This unique formulation offers durability for high-stress procedures.

• They come in transblue color in 5 different sizes that offer a great fit for all hand-sizes.

• Its 2.0 mil thickness provides the ultimate tactile sensation that sets them apart. 

• They have an ambidextrous and finger-textured design.

   

 

Emerald powder-free Nitrile Dental Gloves

• Emerald Powder-Free Nitrile Dental Gloves offer great comfort at an affordable price. 

• This latex-free formulation is best for sensitive skin.

• These nitrile exam gloves are textured and exhibit outstanding tactile sensitivity. 

• Its ergonomic-friendly design protects against hand fatigue.

• Emerald nitrile gloves provide superior tensile strength and chemical resistance.

• What’s unique? They come with a beaded cuff that allows convenient donning.

• Emerald disposable medical gloves meet FDA recognized as Class 1 Medical Devices. 

  

Protocols to follow when using gloves

Handwashing should be done every time the gloves are worn and removed, prior to exiting the operatory, with visible soiling of hands, and after contacting potentially contaminated objects. According to the Organization for Safety and Asepsis Procedures (OSAP), the handwashing protocols to be followed pre and post every procedure include:

• Wetting the hands with water

• Applying soap to hands and rubbing hands to create lather

• Rubbing hands for at least 15 seconds, ensuring all surfaces are covered

• Rinsing hands with water

• Drying hands with a disposable towel

• The towel should be used to turn off the faucet 

• For surgical procedures, the protocols to be followed are as under:

• Remove any bracelets, watches or rings.

• Wash off fingernails under running water with the help of a nail cleaner.

• Scrub forearms and hands according to the manufacturer’s recommended time.

• Dry hands before wearing surgical gloves. [7]

Hand Hygiene is Must

The major part of adequate PPE product usage and cross-contamination control is donning of gloves. However, practicing routine hand washing and hygiene maintenance is crucial to implement complete asepsis protocols. 

Regular hand-washing coupled with gloving will deliver adequate protection to both clinicians and patients from infection dissemination. Hand hygiene holds immense importance as an effective tool to prevent disease transmission and must be prudently implemented for optimum defense and safety.

Steps for glove donning

1. Take out a glove from its box

2. Touch only the restricted surface of the glove that corresponds to the wrist (at the top edge of the cuff)

3. Wear the first glove

4. Use the bare hand to hold the second glove and grasp the restricted surface as done before.

5. While wearing the second glove, avoid touching the skin or the forearm with the first glove. To do so, turn the external surface of the first-donned glove.

6. Once both gloves are worn, the gloved hands should not touch anything that is not indicated for the procedural glove use.

 

Dental Exam Gloves Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When should dental assistants change gloves?

Gloves should be donned when the clinician comes in contact with the patient’s mucous membrane for examination or task performance. However, they should also be changed in the following circumstances.

• When they come in contact with other surfaces

• When contact occurs with potentially contaminated objects not indicated for the treatment procedure.

• When visible soiling occurs with something.

• When tear or damage occurs during the procedure when donned for prolonged periods.

What are nitrile gloves?

Utilized as a disposable glove compound, nitrile is a synthetic rubber. Whilst nitrile has been long available, its price was higher previously and has reduced only recently to  be more affordable. Besides their physical characteristics including strength and durability, its cost is the reason why nitrile gloves are gaining more acceptability in the medical and dental industries. Other merits of nitrile gloves include higher puncture resistance and improved chemical resistance than other glove materials.

What are nitrile gloves made of?

Dental nitrile gloves are made for use by medical and dental professionals. They are made from a compound called nitrile. This compound is essentially a synthetic reprocessed form of latex. Nitrile is a co-polymer, designed by a combination of butadiene and acrylonitrile. Formerly, nitrile gloves begin as rubber obtained from trees. Next, they are converted into latex rubber after which they are reprocessed until a nitrile compound is formed. The latex proteins are removed by additional processing removes all latex proteins. 

Can you wash nitrile gloves? 

No gloves in the medical or dental fields cannot be reused or washed. More widely used gloves in the medical field are disposable ones and are intended only for single use. After use, these can be donned off and disposed of without hassle. 

Can you be allergic to nitrile gloves?

While skin allergies are mostly associated with latex gloves, nitrile gloves contain components such as thiazoles and carbamates that may also cause skin sensitivity or allergy. In case you are allergic to nitrile or any of the components present in it, consider using other materials for daily use in your clinical practice.

Where to buy nitrile gloves? 

You can easily buy nitrile gloves online. When buying nitrile gloves, ask several questions about the vendor and assess the following features.

• Settle for a reputable vendor. 

• Take opinion from fellow dentists who have experience in using gloves, or search from social media forums talking about various topics such as Reddit. 

• It’s better to purchase gloves from brands that are tested and authorized for their quality. 

• Prefer brands that meet FDA standards of manufacturing and composition.

Are utility gloves mandatory for dental offices?

Nitrile utility gloves are suggested to be worn in the dental clinic while performing instrument processing or on-patient procedures. Considered puncture-resistant and heavy-duty the utility gloves provide greater protection to the hands as compared to thinner gloves. Hence, the CDC and Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) recommends the use of nitrile utility gloves. According to OSHA’s recommendation, every individual in the dental office should have a personal pair of gloves.

Are nitrile gloves chemical resistant?

Dental nitrile gloves have excellent overall chemical resistance and are typically less costly than other types of gloves. This is why they are more commonly used for diverse task performance than other materials. Nitrile exam gloves can resist kerosene, gasoline, and other petroleum solvents. Medical-use gloves are made from nitrile to prevent latex allergies, it is resistant to fats and oils as well.

However, nitrile gloves are not advised to be used with organic chemicals containing nitrogen, ketones, and strong oxidizing acids.

Do nitrile gloves cause cancer?

Nitrile gloves may comprise bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) that are considered carcinogenic. However, there is a lack of research confirming whether nitrile gloves can cause skin cancer and long-term longitudinal studies are warranted.

Akin to other glove materials, nitrile gloves are also sensitive to alcohol degradation. They are also shown to be ozone degradation sensitive. In case of a breach, nitrile gloves can easily tear leading to breaks. As a result, the glove pieces may end up in the food that may have carcinogenic potential in the long run. 

Are nitrile gloves BPA-free?

Nitrile exam gloves are BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free, vinyl-free, MBT-free, and powder-free.

Are nitrile gloves heat resistant? 

Nitrile glove material is highly heat resistant and has a great 250°C contact heat resistance. Coupled with high dexterity and great grip that is exhibited by the nitrile coat, these gloves outshine in industries including mouldings, panel handling, and oven use. Nitrile’s outstanding mechanical protection, flexibility, and dexterous design make them ideal for handling hot objects.

Chloroprene gloves vs nitrile

Chloroprene is also called Neoprene which was the first synthetic rubber. It exhibits high abrasion resistance and improved cut resistance. It combats degradation brought about by aging, exposure to sunlight, ozone, weather, and oxidation. Chloroprene also offers flame resistance with heat stability of up to 93°C (200°F). It delivers outstanding resistance to a variety of chemicals such as acids, fats, alcohols, refrigerants, caustics, ketones, detergents, and fertilizers. Neoprene® is also combined with natural rubber in some glove coating formulations.

Nitrile is the copolymer of acrylonitrile and butadiene. It exhibits remarkable resistance to physical threats including cuts, punctures, snags, and abrasion. Although nitrile is not flame-resistant, it’s good for temperature ranges between -4 and 149°C (25 to 300°F). Nitrile provides substantial resistance to fuels, oils, and certain organic solvents. Nitrile and chloroprene are rubbers that have similar characteristics but some differences in properties. Both glove materials have elasticity and can return to their former shape after being stretched. In a nutshell, nitrile is acceptable due to its chemical, heat, and abrasion resistance while chloroprene is known for its durability and weather resistance.

Disposable gloves vinyl vs latex

Latex gloves offer excellent barrier protection. They are comfortable, cost-effective, and provide great levels of tactile sensitivity. They have remarkable durability and flexibility which makes them perfect for most medical and dental procedures. However, allergies is a common concern caused by latex. In that case, latex gloves cannot be used and an alternative material such as nitrile is to be chosen.

PVC, a petroleum-based film is used to manufacture vinyl gloves. These are inexpensive but are less durable when compared to nitrile and latex. In addition, they provide inadequate protection against contaminants or chemical agents. Stretching vinyl gloves cause separation between the individual molecules compromising their integrity and impeding their barrier protection. Their reduced price and low barrier protection allow their use for low infection and non-hazardous environments.

Are all nitrile gloves powder-free?

As powdered nitrile gloves were banned by the FDA, all nitrile gloves are powder-free.

What are the best quality disposable gloves? 

The best quality disposable gloves have:

• High strength and durability

• High tear and puncture resistance

• Good flexibility

• Excellent chemical and heat resistance

References: Stoessel K, Smith S M. Dental Supplement | Medical Glove Selection for Dental Professionals. The clinical issue. Issue 5. Kimberly-Clark Healthcare Education. 2008. 

1. 1. Kerr LN, Chaput MP, Cash LD, et al. 2004 Sep. Assessment of the Durability of Medical Examination Gloves. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene 1: 607-612.

   2. Kerr LN, Boivin WS, Chaput MP, et al. 2002 Sep. The Effect of Simulated Clinical Use on Vinyl and Latex Exam Glove Durability. Journal of Testing and Evaluation 30(5): 415-420.

   3. Siegel JD, Rhinehart E, Jackson M, Chiarello L, HICPAC. 2007 Jun. Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings. Online: www.cdc.gov. Accessed 6/2/2008.

   4. Pereira M. The Importance of Glove Ergonomics to Dentistry. CDA. DECC, 2015. 

   5. Baker J. & Wagner M. Nine Myths About Disposable Safety Gloves. Occupational Health & Safety. Apr, 2010. 

   6. Olk M J. Infection Control In Practice. Organization for Safety & Asepsis Procedures. Jan, 2003. Vol. 2(1).  

How are SGPs different from DSOs? And what makes it so attractive to run a group dentistry business? Your trusted dental supply store reviews the pros & cons.

 

Dental Support Organizations (DSO’s) such as Heartland Dental,  Aspen Dental, and Pacific Dental Services have allowed many dental professionals to concentrate on their core talents, namely, being great dentists, instead of juggling the demands of running businesses. 

Welcome to the DSO Series

1. Part 1: Should you join a DSO? 👈 You are here

2. Part 2:  Weighing the pros & cons of an SGP 

Joining a DSO could be the dream choice for your mid-to-long-term future in the dental industry, or it could just as easily devolve into the opposite - a nightmare. How can you know if it is the right choice for you? The short answer: It’s a matter of perspective. 

It depends on your vision, your long-term strategy in the market, and it hinges on knowing your own personal strengths and weaknesses, and those of your staff and current situation. Your individual needs and priorities will ultimately determine that answer, so to help you make an informed choice, consider the pros and cons we examine in this article.

What is the Future of the DSO model?

Following the trends in medical care, Dental DSO’s are in a phase of rapid growth. In 2019 a leading global investment banking and asset management company, namely William Blair, reported on the growth prospects for Dental Support Organizations. 

The firm estimates that the largest DSOs are growing their number of practices by roughly 13 to 14 percent per year. DSOs currently control roughly 16 percent of all American Dental practices, and they are on track to reach 30 percent for 2021.

Over the last two decades, the dental industry has seen a lot of consolidation. That includes a number of models, including minority ownership, mergers, multi-location dental offices, nondentist ownership, and investor or corporate practices. It seems as if this trend will continue to accelerate into the future. Where does that leave you?

What Are the Benefits? 

Not all DSO’s are cut from the same cloth, and some will offer more benefits, or possibly drawbacks, compared with others. Below is a list of advantages, and the reasons why so many small practices have joined the trend. 

Invest in a Better Work-Life Balance

The demands of successfully running a dentistry practice can be more of a challenge in reality than it would seem on the surface. Keeping strict control of finances and expenses, managing staff, purchasing equipment and supplies, and the constant, complicated administration that goes along with all of that, leaves you with very little time to be a great dentist.

It makes a lot of sense to focus on your core skills as an individual, and outsource the tasks that consume a lot of time and focus on the experts in those related fields. Most DSO structures will take care of general administration, like insurance, making sure you are complying with health and safety regulations, hiring and firing, Human Resources, payroll, and legal administration. 

That enables dentists to focus on what they love and do best, to reclaim those extra hours, which could be better spent with family, and looking after the holistic needs of your day-to-day existence, or simply working on your golf game.  

As a kind of bonus, having more time and available energy, a dentist can then also focus on patients, nurturing those beneficial long-term relationships that sustain a healthy practice. After all, Dental Care really means Patient Care - and that leads to a whole and happy work-life balance.

Gain Financial Leverage  by Utilizing the Power of DSO Muscle

Negotiating with dental suppliers can get time-consuming unless you are dealing with the right dental supply company. Are you paying a premium because you are unable to buy in bulk quantities?  

DSO’s generally have far more buying muscle and can reduce the cost of supplies by negotiating with distributors and obtaining price reductions on your behalf. In the long run, this can make a huge difference to the financial future of your business.

What about leading dental technology? We all know that it isn’t cheap! A small practice may not be able to invest in all the latest equipment that is available, as compared to a practice affiliated with a leading DSO. Even if they make the costly investment, it may be years before the equipment is paid off, or the lease expires. 

Meantime, technology evolves. DSOs will often provide the research, cost negotiation, and the necessary implementation, training, and ongoing tech support required for the latest, fast-evolving technologies.

The same principle applies where it comes to legal help and insurance - both of which are typically nightmares for the small fish. The solo practice or small partnership will not have the bargaining muscle, the legal expertise, the time, or the administrative capabilities of the Dental Service Organization - who are the specialists in these dimensions of the business.

Choose a Wise (and Lucrative) Entry and Exit Strategy

When weighing up the pros and cons, it is vital to know the details about the entry and exit strategies contained in the contract. One of the major perks can be Entry and Exit payments.

The details of the contract will depend on many factors, but successful dental practices are always attractive to those DSO buyers. They may offer you five to seven times a multiple of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA). A typical deal will give you 80% cash at closing and 20% equity share in the larger entity. Nothing to sniff at!

That means a large payday both when you sign the partnership agreement,  and later when you cash in your stock. However - the devil may be hiding in the details, so to speak. That’s where Due Diligence comes to the rescue.

Some things to consider: 

• Is there an opportunity for equal ownership, or do you only get a minority? 

• If it’s the latter, then how much capital must you contribute to becoming equal? 

• How long will it take you to break even through increased compensation? And what about the group practice’s retirement plan? 

• You may have a 401(k) plan, but what about age-weighted profit-sharing contributions, not to mention a defined-benefit or cash-balance plan?

Keep in mind of course, when affiliating you transition from owner to that of a salaried contractor. Weigh the balance carefully. 

Dentists are seldom experts at financial planning, so be sure to enlist the help of a trustworthy advisor, who has experience with DSO contracts. 

What are the Drawbacks?

To be fair, joining forces with a Dental Support Organization is not the perfect fit for everyone. There are several cons to consider before signing that contract.

Do You Need to Be the Boss?

One of the biggest drawbacks is that you lose your autonomy. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and love to chart your own course, then this may be the biggest loss.

You may end up as a square peg in a round hole. Will the type of dentistry you love to practice fit with the type of procedures the DSO requires for their ‘bread and butter?’ Remember, you will usually be contractually bound to work there for the next three years at least. There are good reasons why many associate dentists leave DSOs.

Any large corporation and the DSO’s are no exception - has their rules and regulations, and their company culture. That kind of thing can go either way. Either it will enhance your practice, or it will destroy what you have so carefully created on your own. Make sure you know the regulations and requirements for you and your staff before making the important decision.

What are the Exit Risks?

Getting out of your contract may be a lot more emotionally and financially draining than a bad divorce! A few months down the line you may discover that the perks do not really outweigh the benefits, or that you simply don’t fit the corporate culture and politics - and if so, you will need a good plan B.

There may be penalties and financial costs for a premature exit - so consider all options wisely before you take the plunge. You should also be aware of non-compete clauses, and their duration. They may prevent you from practicing somewhere else should you choose to.

Conclusion

The future of dentistry will almost certainly contain both the solo dentist and the DSO model, based on the trends we have seen in the wider medical industry as a whole. Judging by the current rate of growth, it seems that more will opt for the benefits of joining one of the growing DSO groups, although there is still much controversy, and many will decide to go it alone instead.

Which option will suit your own personal vision for your practice best? That depends on your personal perspective.