Comparative study: the effects of latex and vinyl gloves on the tactile discrimination of first year dental hygiene students.

The purposes of this study were to determine 1) if there was a significant difference in the tactile discrimination of first year dental hygiene students wearing a vinyl glove as compared to a latex glove; 2) if the subjects' perceptions of their ability to accurately discriminate between surface textures differed when wearing either one of the two gloves; and 3) the individual characteristics of the gloves preferred by the subjects. Twenty-nine first year dental students were randomly assigned to one of the two glove treatment groups. The tactile discrimination ability of each subject was assessed at baseline and three weeks after using the Roughness Discrimination Test (RDT). The subjects wore their assigned gloves when performing laboratory and clinical procedures during the 3-week period. Following this period the RDT was again administered. Subjects then switched gloves for an additional 3-week period, at which time data were collected regarding perceived discrimination ability and glove preference. Data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results revealed no significant difference (p less than 0.05) in subject's tactile discrimination ability while 29% indicated that the latex glove had an inhibitory effect. The subjects most frequently preferred the latex glove, citing specific favorable characteristics such as size, fit, comfort and durability while performing clinical procedures. However, the vinyl glove was favored for durability after washing.