Dentists need to observe the same procedures as any other healthcare professionals when coming into contact with blood, saliva or other bodily fluids so disposable dental gloves are part of the standard precautions to be taken to avoid cross-infection. It has been estimated that they wear them for 40 or more hours per week so comfort is an important factor. Dental gloves need to be close fitting, strong and durable, have good tactile sensitivity and be resistant to any chemicals that they may come into contact with. They should also be easy to remove from their packaging and put onto the hands.
Latex types are sometimes used but are generally being replaced by latex free gloves made of materials such as vinyl and nitrile due to 
the increasing occurence of latex allergy. Nitrile gloves tend to be favoured over vinyl types because they offer superior performance for required characteristics. The only disadvantage is higher cost. Powdered gloves are not used because powder escaping into the air can also cause an allergic reaction. It can also cause complications to the patient when it gets into periodontal pockets and post extraction sockets.
Reusable heavy duty gloves are worn when handling harmful chemicals, scrubbing instruments or cleaning surfaces.
Dental gloves which are used for patient examination and treatment should be used only once and should then be treated as clinical waste which must be stored correctly before disposal by a certified company.