The use of latex and non-latex gloves and dental equipment in UK and Irish dental hospitals.

Aim To identify glove usage within UK and Ireland dental hospitals as well as the use of latex- and non-latex-containing dental equipment.Method A self-completed questionnaire was disseminated to 16 dental hospitals in the summer of 2017. The survey concerned their current use of latex and non-latex gloves and dental equipment. In addition, information was sought regarding any problems associated with non-latex and latex gloves.Results The questionnaire response rate was 13/16 (81%), of which 100% reported the use of non-latex examination gloves. The majority were using nitrile gloves. Twelve of the 13 dental hospitals would use examination gloves for simple extractions and 11 would use sterile gloves for minor oral surgery. In ten hospitals (77%), the sterile gloves were always non-latex, and again, the majority were nitrile. Latex-containing dental equipment including orthodontic bands, prophylactic polishing cups and dental dam was still being used within some dental hospitals, but to a much lesser extent than non-latex.Conclusion All dental hospitals were using latex-free examination gloves and were showing a move towards latex-free dental equipment. This usage is comparable to what has been seen in general dental practice and follows the trend towards latex-free dentistry.

A parent-sibling dyadic interview to explore how an individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder can impact family dynamics.

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long condition which affects the individual and their family system. Little research understands the impact of an ASD upon families, how this may change over time and how COVID-19 has impacted these dynamics. AIMS: To explore the impact of an ASD on the lived experiences of parents and neurotypical adult siblings, including during the UK COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: Eight parent-sibling dyads (16 individuals) completed semi-structured interviews discussing their family before, during and after receiving the ASD diagnosis, and in relation to the first UK lockdown. Interview transcripts were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: Three super-ordinate themes were identified: Dominated by ASD; Family Cohesion; and the Need for Support. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggested a closeness within the families and an adoration towards the individual with ASD (IWA). Dyads were, to an extent, consumed by the diagnosis both presently and in the future, implicating the need for a stretch in services to support parents and neurotypical siblings. In terms of the first UK lockdown, the IWA added an extra layer of difficulty to the dyads work-life balance yet there was an essence of family cohesion. Future research should consider longitudinal methods and explore the impact of ASD co-morbidities upon family dynamics.

Latex and synthetic rubber glove usage in UK general dental practice: changing trends.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the current routine use of latex gloves and latex containing dental dam in UK general dental practice. METHODS: A questionnaire was disseminated to 89 general dental practitioners (GDPs) in June 2017. The survey concerned their current, routine use of latex gloves and latex-containing dental dam in general dental practice. In addition, monthly sales figures of gloves classified by material, were obtained from a UK dental supply company, for 2015-2017. RESULTS: The questionnaire response rate was 84 (94%), of whom 90% reported using non-latex (non-sterile examination) gloves for their routine dentistry. The majority were using nitrile gloves. All GDPs surveyed would use examination gloves for routine extractions, and 76% would use examination gloves for surgical extractions. The majority (75%) reported using non-latex dental dam. Sales of nitrile gloves were significantly higher than for latex gloves, with a continuing trend in the reduction in volume of sales of latex gloves. CONCLUSION: The majority of GDP's now routinely use non-latex containing gloves and dental dam in their clinical dentistry. Nitrile gloves are predominantly used. Examination gloves are used for straightforward extractions, with many practitioners also using them for minor oral surgery. Sales of latex containing gloves are continuing to decrease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The routine use of latex-containing products in UK dental practice is low and likely to reduce further, with on-going benefit for the dental practitioner, latex allergic patients and prevalence of latex allergy in the general population.