Disposable exam gloves

Prolonged muscle effort across longer periods of time can cause hand fatigue, which has been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome as well as other hand injuries.

These conditions are serious, painful and can reduce productivity, especially for dentists and hygienists whose job makes wearing disposable exam gloves an essential requirement.

More than 50 percent of dental professionals have reported hand fatigue,[1] and more than 65 percent of registered dental hygienists reported having carpal tunnel syndrome.[2]

The solution is ergonomic gloves.

In a comprehensive study by an industry leader in ergonomic testing and certifications, Microflex XCEED, Microflex Ultraform and Microflex Neogard gloves markedly reduced muscle effort when performing test manipulations as compared to a leading competitor’s gloves.

These three gloves even out-performed bare-hand manipulations, reducing muscle effort in comparison to not wearing gloves.

The reduced effort decreases the chances of related pain and injuries.

What does an ergonomic certification mean?

According to U.S. Ergonomics, “A product that has received certification provides measurable ergonomic benefits to the anticipated users by improving comfort and fit and by minimizing the risk factors that may contribute to the development of ergonomic injuries.”

Third-party tested

U.S. Ergonomics approach to workplace ergonomics focuses on achieving sustainable gains in productivity while reducing the ergonomic risks and ensuring employee health and safety. The organization maintains a state-of-the-art ergonomics laboratory to conduct ergonomic product testing and ergonomics product certification. A
product that is truly ergonomic will provide measurable advantages to user comfort, fit and performance while reducing the ergonomics risks factors.

References

1. Guignon, Anne Nugent RDH, MPH. What’s happening to your hands? Accessed Sept. 14, 2011.
2. SIMMER-BECK, MELANIE RDH, MS. Noting harmful chair side postures through assessment and observation and making necessary adjustments can make the difference in maintaining a healthy career in dental hygiene. Accessed Sept. 16, 2011.