There is apparently no difference in post-operative infection rates after routine extractions when the surgeon wears sterile or non-sterile gloves. The greater issue is the transmission of infection from DHCP to the patient and vice versa. Since sterile gloves are more rigorously regulated they may offer an increased level of protection when exposed to blood and OPIM.
Recommendations
1. Wear sterile surgeon's gloves when performing oral surgical procedures.
2. No recommendation is offered regarding the effectiveness of wearing two pairs of gloves to prevent disease transmission during oral surgical procedures. The majority of studies among HCP and DHCP have demonstrated a lower frequency of inner glove perforation andvisible blood on the surgeon's hands when double gloves are worn; however the effectiveness of wearing two pairs of gloves in preventing disease transmission has not been demonstrated (Unresolved issue).