Effects of Glove Contamination on Composite Resin Bond Strengths

Objectives: For many years now, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) requires that health practitioners wear protective gear to reduce the potential for contamination while treating patients. Unfortunately gloves have been known to cause problems such as dermatitis and skin granulomas. In order to determine if powdered or non-powdered gloves have an adverse effect on the bond strength of composites, groups of samples were prepared using various glove materials. Methods: 15 non-carious, non-restored human teeth were assigned to each of the following groups: latex with cornstarch powder, nitrile, and synthetic gloves with U.S.P. dusting powder, or no gloves (hand instruments only). Samples were mounted in epoxy resin and sectioned with a diamond saw to expose dentin. Exposed surfaces were etched, and bonded with Optibond Solo and Esthet-X per manufacturer's instructions. Samples in all groups were stored in water for 24 hours after bonding. Shear bond strengths for all of the samples was obtained using a universal testing machine (Instron, Camden MA). Results: Average bond strengths for samples prepared with latex gloves were 22.2 MPa (S.D. 10.7 MPa). Average bond strengths for samples prepared with nitrile gloves were 26.5 (S.D. 10.38 MPa). Average bond strengths for samples prepared with synthetic U.S.P. dusting powder were 24.05 MPa (S.D. 10.48 MPa). Average bond strengths for samples prepared without glove contact were 17.91 MPa (S.D. 9.31 MPa). No statistically significant differences were found between the four groups by an analysis of variance (ANOVA) (F=1.449; p=0.24). Conclusions: From this initial study, it was determined that exposure to different glove types does not have a significant effect on the bond strength of the composite resin bond to dentin. This result is beneficial to clinicians who must wear gloves while performing composite restorations on their patients. Supported by the UTHSC Dental Alumni Endowment Fund for Research