Clean Bite: No Time for April Foolin’ With PPE

In the dental profession, personal protective equipment (PPE) isn’t just a regulatory requirement; it’s a daily necessity. Proper PPE use can be the difference between finishing your workday safely and dealing with a preventable exposure, injury, or emergency room visit.

Dental professionals rely on PPE to protect themselves, their coworkers, and their patients because they are physically close to their patients. But how exactly does PPE reduce risk in the dental office?

Why PPE Is Critical in Dentistry

Dental clinicians work in extremely close proximity to patients, placing them in close contact with blood, saliva, and respiratory droplets. As a result, dental teams face a higher risk of infection than many other health care professionals. Research confirms that dental providers experience increased exposure to bacteria and viruses due to aerosol‑generating procedures.

Fortunately, PPE significantly reduces transmission risks. High-volume evacuation (HVE), masks, and face shields can reduce aerosol levels by 90–96%, while N95 respirators can reduce exposure risk by up to 99%.

Infection control in the dental office begins—and ends—with consistent PPE use.

Proper Donning of PPE: A Critical Safety Step

Think of donning PPE as your yellow brick road to safety. Being diligent and consistent protects not only you, but also your patients. Dental professionals can unknowingly spread germs and even allergens.

Consider this scenario: After lunch, you assist a patient before washing your hands. The patient unknowingly has a peanut allergy and begins reacting during treatment. Wearing gloves before touching the patient or operatory surfaces helps prevent this type of exposure.

Dental Gloves: The First Line of Protection

Nitrile Exam Gloves

Nitrile gloves are the industry standard in dentistry, replacing latex due to allergy concerns. For optimal protection:

• Gloves should be the last PPE donned before treatment
• They should be the first PPE removed after treatment
• Immediately change gloves if they tear, develop holes, or become saturated

Never hesitate to pause a procedure to replace compromised gloves. Patient and provider safety always comes first. Dental assistants also play a key role by monitoring the dentist’s PPE and discreetly addressing issues if gloves or barriers become damaged.

Proper glove fit matters. A “Goldilocks” fit ensures:

• Better tactile sensitivity
• Secure instrument transfers
• Improved suction control

Utility Gloves: OSHA‑Required Protection

Utility gloves are essential for sterilization and operatory breakdown—even if they’re uncomfortable.

They protect against:

• Bloodborne pathogens
• Chemical disinfectants (Caviwipes, bleach, etchants, bonding agents)
• Needlesticks and sharps injuries

Each year, approximately 384,000 sharps‑related injuries occur among health care workers. OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard clearly outlines the importance of heavy‑duty utility gloves when handling contaminated instruments or chemicals.

Uncomfortable? Yes.
Necessary? Absolutely.

Face Shields: Essential PPE for Dental Aerosols

Face shields provide critical protection against aerosols, splatter, and splashes. Disposable face shields are a cost‑effective way to protect your skin and mucous membranes from contamination, especially during high‑speed handpiece use.

Change face shields between patients and choose a comfortable design that encourages consistent wear. Protecting your face is about far more than appearance—it’s about long‑term health.

Eyeglasses Are Not Enough

If you wear prescription glasses, you still need additional eye protection. Aerosols can bypass regular lenses through gaps.

Use:

• Safety glasses with side shields
• Face shields worn over eyeglasses

Style is optional; coverage is not.

Masks and Respirators in Dentistry

Masks work best when paired with face shields. According to OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard, N95 respirators must be used when respiratory hazards are present, and engineering controls alone are insufficient.

Dental Mask Levels Explained: Understanding ASTM mask levels helps dental professionals choose the appropriate level of protection based on procedure risk, ensuring both patient safety and effective infection control in clinical settings.

• ASTM Level 3 masks: Highest filtration
  Ideal for implants, periodontal surgery, crown preparation, and complex procedures
• ASTM Levels 1 and 2: Suitable for exams, sealants, orthodontics, restorative care, and non‑surgical procedures

Dental professionals may also wear a Level 3 mask over a reusable N95 for added protection. When in doubt, Level 3 masks are a reliable choice.

Clinical Jackets and Protective Apparel

Protective dental jackets must be:

• Fluid-resistant or fluid-proof
• Long‑sleeved with cuffs
• Fully snapped or zipped
• High neckline
• Long enough to cover knees while seated

OSHA regulations prohibit home laundering of contaminated PPE. Reusable jackets must be cleaned on‑site or by an approved laundry service. Jackets absorb the highest level of contamination during dental procedures, making proper handling essential.

Fun prints are fine, but mixing them with regular clothes at home is not.

Final Thoughts: PPE Is No Joke

Make protecting yourself a priority by properly wearing, maintaining, and disposing of your PPE every single day. Consistent PPE use is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support infection control in the dental office.

Protect your team.
Protect your patients.
Protect yourself.

No foolin’.

Until next time, my friends—
Stay informed. Stay clean. Stay safe.

🦷✨ — Sherrie & Becki, The Clean Bite