What type of gloves should be worn when kneading silicone putty for an impression?

When kneading silicone putty for an impression, the appropriate type of gloves to use are typically Nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves are preferred in many dental applications because they are durable, resistant to punctures, and provide a good barrier against chemicals, which may be present in impression materials. They also conform well to the hands, providing better dexterity needed for tasks such as kneading putty.

Latex gloves, while they may also be suitable for this task, are becoming less commonly used due to concerns over latex allergies among both practitioners and patients. Vinyl gloves, on the other hand, offer lower resistance to chemicals compared to nitrile and are therefore not suitable for tasks involving potentially hazardous materials like silicone putty. Leather gloves are not appropriate for dental procedures as they lack the necessary barrier protection and are not disposable, which is a crucial aspect of infection control in dental settings.

Nitrile gloves provide the best balance of protection and functionality for handling silicone putty safely and effectively during dental procedures.