What substances must be handled with gloves for safety?

Handling substances such as preliminary impressions, final impressions, and laboratory cases with gloves is crucial for safety in dental assisting. Each of these substances can potentially harbor pathogens, including bacteria and viruses, that pose a risk of cross-contamination.

Preliminary and final impressions are often made with materials that come into contact with saliva, blood, or potentially infectious bodily fluids, making the use of gloves essential to protect both the patient and the dental professional. Similarly, laboratory cases— which may involve processed impressions or materials that have been in contact with patients—can also present a contamination risk.

By wearing gloves, dental professionals ensure a barrier that minimizes the risk of transmission of infectious agents, protects their hands from chemical irritation that can occur with certain impression materials, and maintains a sterile environment during dental procedures. Therefore, using gloves is a standard practice when handling all of these types of substances to promote safety and hygiene in the dental setting.