When must gloves be worn by dental practitioners?

Gloves must be worn by dental practitioners immediately after handwashing to ensure that the sterile barrier they provide remains effective. Hand hygiene is a critical first step in infection control, as it reduces the number of microorganisms present on the skin. Once hands have been washed and dried, the application of gloves serves as an additional protective measure against cross-contamination. This practice is essential during patient care to protect both healthcare providers and patients from potential infections.

While gloves are indeed important during all procedures as it prevents the transfer of pathogens, the sequence of putting on gloves right after handwashing emphasizes the need for maintaining cleanliness just before direct contact with patients. The rationale focuses on the timing of glove use in relation to hand hygiene, highlighting that gloves are meant to act as an extra barrier immediately following the establishment of clean hands.