When it comes to selecting the right glove for the job at hand, there are many factors that come into play, including comfort, grip, puncture resistance and more. That’s why we offer a wide selection of surgical and exam gloves, in options your team — and patients — can trust. Browse our assortment of vinyl, chloroprene, nitrile and latex gloves today, from leading manufacturers such as Ansell and Halyard, along with our dedicated Henry Schein Brand® product portfolio.
Disposable gloves are an essential component of infection control, providing a layer of defense against bacteria, viruses and other pathogens. But do you know which glove material is best for you and your team? Below, we’ve outlined the four major types of surgical and exam gloves available on the market today — including key benefits and features — to help guide your decision:
Shop All Gloves
Nitrile exam gloves are made of synthetic rubber, offering a suitable alternative for those with latex allergies or sensitivities — or for those looking to prevent any future reactions. Nitrile gloves are known for their durability, long shelf life and excellent chemical and puncture resistance. However, unlike latex gloves, they tend to offer a bit less stretch and flexibility.
Chloroprene gloves, also known as neoprene gloves, are a type of synthetic rubber that cater to those with latex allergies. They offer excellent protection against a variety of chemicals — on a slightly larger scale than nitrile gloves — with a natural fit and feel that allows for easy maneuverability in a range of health care settings.
Latex gloves are made of natural rubber latex and are a popular choice among health care practitioners, offering several advantages, including a comfortable fit, an enhanced grip and a high level of protection against viruses and other germs. However, latex gloves can cause irritation or adverse reactions for those with latex allergies or sensitivities, so that’s an important factor to keep in mind.
Vinyl gloves are soft and malleable, offering a cost-effective, latex-free option that deliver good barrier protection and comfort. They are less durable than their latex and nitrile counterparts — due to their lower chemical and puncture resistance — which make them better-suited for short-term use in low-risk settings.
Surgical and examination gloves are two types of disposable gloves that are commonly used in health care settings. Although their appearance may look the same, there are several key differences between the two:
Ansell is a global company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical and dental settings, including surgical gloves, exam gloves, specialty gloves and more.
Shop Now
Shop exceptional-quality glove products at an affordable price with Henry Schein Brand, including our exclusive CRITERION™ gloves line-up.
Ergonomics plays an important role when it comes to determining the proper fit for you and your team. Disposable gloves that are too tight, for instance, can cause discomfort and restrict hand movement, leading to hand fatigue and the risk of developing hand injuries. On the other hand, gloves that are too loose can also lead to discomfort, making it difficult to handle small objects or perform tasks that require a high level of dexterity. Look for surgical and exam gloves that fit snugly and allow for natural movement. Additionally, some gloves are designed with textured fingertips and other ergonomic features that help improve grip in both wet and dry applications.
Michelle Strange, RDH, discusses three important benefits of utility gloves — and why hygienists should incorporate them into their infection control routine.
Watch Video
Michelle Strange, RDH, explores seven essential tips for choosing the right exam gloves for your team — from size considerations and material choices to grip enhancement and more.
Michelle Strange, RDH, shares three do’s and three don’ts to keep in mind when it comes to gloves in the dental setting.
Michelle Strange, RDH, shares three tips to make your operatory turnover safer and faster, including the use of barrier protection and wearing properly-sized utility gloves.
Explore All Videos