Which type of glove is least suitable for clinical procedures at the chairside?

The type of glove that is least suitable for clinical procedures at the chairside is powdered gloves. This is primarily due to the potential for the powder to cause irritation or allergic reactions in both patients and dental healthcare providers. The powder can become airborne during procedures, which may pose a risk of contamination or allergic responses when inhaled or when in contact with the skin.

In addition to safety concerns, powdered gloves may not provide the necessary tactile sensitivity and grip needed for precision tasks, which are common in dental procedures. This could compromise the quality of care and could increase the risk of accidents or errors during treatment.

Nitrile, latex, and vinyl gloves are designed to be low in irritants and provide better barrier protection, making them more suitable for clinical procedures. Nitrile and latex gloves are commonly used as they offer excellent sensitivity and dexterity, while vinyl gloves are often used in non-invasive procedures or situations where prolonged use is necessary. However, the powdered variant does not meet the standards required in a clinical setting, which highlights why it is not the recommended choice.