Patient attitudes to glove use by orthodontists.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of orthodontic patients of the importance of glove wearing by orthodontists, and consisted of a patient completed questionnaire carried out at an orthodontic clinic in Ireland. The subjects were 194 consecutive patients [122 (63 per cent) female, 72 (37 per cent) male; mean +/- SD age: 15.5 +/- 2.2 years] attending an orthodontic clinic. They completed a questionnaire designed to determine their attitudes to the wearing of gloves by orthodontists. Most patients (97 per cent; n = 188) considered that orthodontists should routinely wear gloves. However, approximately 15 per cent of patients (n = 30) would attend an orthodontist who did not wear gloves. Ninety-four per cent (n = 182) of patients considered that gloves were worn to protect both the orthodontist and the patient. A total of 86.5 per cent (n = 168) of patients thought that the orthodontist should change gloves between patients. The overwhelming majority of patients surveyed demonstrated a strong awareness of the importance of glove wearing by orthodontists. The results suggest that many patients will not attend an orthodontist who does not wear gloves during treatment.

Patient’s attitude and knowledge towards the usage of barrier technique by orthodontists.

“…In the previous studies, patients were of the opinion that glove usage will protect both the orthodontist and the patient (89.4% and 94%). 25,26 The results of this study indicate only 74% of patients thought that glove use will protect both orthodontists and patients. Ten percent of them believe that glove wear will protect the orthodontist only and 12% reported that glove wear will protect patients only.…”

“…26 A comparatively high level (97%) of awareness was reported in Ireland. 25 In contrast a study on German orthodontists, showed that 16.9 percent of surveyed individuals considered wearing gloves was absolute necessary. 24 A high percentage (88%) of patients felt that they would not go to an orthodontist who didn't wear gloves; this coincided with the results of previous studies.…”

“…24 A high percentage (88%) of patients felt that they would not go to an orthodontist who didn't wear gloves; this coincided with the results of previous studies. 25,26 Considering the percentage of patients who wanted the orthodontist to wear gloves, this is not surprising. However, the percentage of orthodontists wearing gloves in their routine practice varies greatly in different countries.…”

“…18 Such favourable results were reported in earlier studies. 7,25,32,33 Wearing of gloves by the dental assistant was considered necessary by 71 percent of patients, owing to the fact that dental assistants assist the orthodontist during bracket positioning, band placement, cementation, wire changing, etc, they believed that it makes sense for the dental assistant to wear gloves. However, in the previous survey on the orthodontists of England and Wales, only 22% of dental assistant wore gloves all the time.…”

“…The subjects were 15-20 years of age, the mean age was 17±2 years. Using information from earlier studies, 25,26 a questionnaire with ten questions, related to patient's attitude towards infection control practices used by orthodontists, was designed by the expert panel that included experienced orthodontists. General information, such as age, sex, residential address, educational qualification and occupation, was also collected.…”