Browse our wide range of exam gloves and surgical gloves, including our exclusive and value-driven CRITERION™ by Henry Schein® gloves line-up. Shop nitrile, chloroprene, latex and vinyl gloves today.
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Henry Schein Brand Gloves
Surgical and exam glove options, value-driven pricing
Disposable gloves are more than protective gear ― they are the first line of defense against cross-contamination, infection and chemical exposure. But do you know which glove material is best for you and your team? Below, we’ve outlined the four major types of medical and dental glove materials available on the market today — including key benefits and features — to help guide your decision.
Which Types of Disposable Gloves are Right for Me?
Disposable gloves are more than protective gear ― they are the first line of defense against cross-contamination, infection and chemical exposure. But do you know which glove material is best for you and your team? Below, we’ve outlined the four major types of medical and dental glove materials available on the market today — including key benefits and features — to help guide your decision.
Which Types of Disposable Gloves are Right for Me?
Disposable gloves are more than protective gear ― they are the first line of defense against cross-contamination, infection and chemical exposure. But do you know which glove material is best for you and your team? Below, we’ve outlined the four major types of medical and dental glove materials available on the market today — including key benefits and features — to help guide your decision.
Nitrile Gloves
Strengths: Excellent puncture resistance, chemical protection, latex-free
Ideal For: Long procedures, high-risk tasks, allergy-safe environments
Nitrile exam gloves offer 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. They tend to offer a bit less stretch and flexibility than latex gloves, but are a great alternative.
Chloroprene Gloves
Strengths: Comfort and fit of latex, with the synthetic strength of nitrile, easy maneuverability, latex-free
Ideal For: Laboratory settings, tasks requiring high dexterity, allergy-safe environments
Chloroprene/polychloroprene gloves 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 environments.
Latex Gloves
Strengths: Comfortable fit, tactile sensitivity, superior range of motion
Ideal For: High-precision procedures (where allergies are not a concern)
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.
Vinyl Gloves
Strengths: Soft, cost-effective, latex-free
Ideal For: Low-risk, non-invasive settings, short-duration tasks, allergy-safe environments
Vinyl gloves are soft and malleable, offering a cost-effective, latex-free option that delivers 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.
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What Are the Differences Between Surgical & Examination Gloves?
Surgical and exam gloves are two types of medical and dental gloves that are commonly used in health care settings. Although their appearance may look the same, there are several key differences between the two:Purpose: Surgical gloves are designed for use in sterile surgical environments to ensure a high level of protection against infections. Exam gloves, on the other hand, are designed for non-sterile medical procedures and more generalized use.
Testing Protocols: Surgical gloves must uphold higher manufacturing standards than examination gloves to ensure strict compliance with sterility and quality. This means they typically undergo more rigorous testing protocols than exam gloves.
Material Thickness: Surgical gloves are designed to be better equipped at handling punctures and tears, making them generally thicker and less flexible than examination gloves.
For anyone with latex sensitivities, even a little exposure can cause anything from mild skin irritation to more serious allergic reactions. Switching to latex-free dental and medical gloves can help create a safer, more comfortable environment for both patients and staff:
- Allergy-friendly: Protects patients and staff who may react to natural rubber latex.
- Supports long-term comfort: Latex-free materials like nitrile, chloroprene and vinyl reduce the risk of skin irritation and dryness during extended wear.
- Future-proof your practice: With latex allergies on the rise, adopting latex-free gloves can help minimize potential risks and prepare your practice for long-term safety needs.
Exploring Latex-Free Glove Options
For anyone with latex sensitivities, even a little exposure can cause anything from mild skin irritation to more serious allergic reactions. Switching to latex-free dental and medical gloves can help create a safer, more comfortable environment for both patients and staff:
- Allergy-friendly: Protects patients and staff who may react to natural rubber latex.
- Supports long-term comfort: Latex-free materials like nitrile, chloroprene and vinyl reduce the risk of skin irritation and dryness during extended wear.
- Future-proof your practice: With latex allergies on the rise, adopting latex-free gloves can help minimize potential risks and prepare your practice for long-term safety needs.
Exploring Latex-Free Glove Options
For anyone with latex sensitivities, even a little exposure can cause anything from mild skin irritation to more serious allergic reactions. Switching to latex-free dental and medical gloves can help create a safer, more comfortable environment for both patients and staff:
- Allergy-friendly: Protects patients and staff who may react to natural rubber latex.
- Supports long-term comfort: Latex-free materials like nitrile, chloroprene and vinyl reduce the risk of skin irritation and dryness during extended wear.
- Future-proof your practice: With latex allergies on the rise, adopting latex-free gloves can help minimize potential risks and prepare your practice for long-term safety needs.
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Ansell
Manufacturer of infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical and dental settings, including surgical gloves, exam gloves, specialty gloves and more.
Henry Schein Brand Surgical & Exam Gloves
Shop our full line of glove products at an affordable price with our exclusive CRITERION gloves line-up.
The right glove fit is essential for both comfort and safety. Dental and medical gloves that are too tight can cause discomfort and restrict hand movement, leading to hand fatigue and hand injuries. Gloves that are too loose may slip or bunch, making it harder to handle small objects or perform tasks that require precision. For best results, choose surgical and exam gloves that fit snugly while still allowing natural movement.
Ergonomic features to look for:
- Textured fingertips for better grip in both wet and dry conditions
- Anatomical shaping to reduce stress on the hands
- Extended cuffs for added protection in clinical settings
How Should Disposable Gloves Fit?
The right glove fit is essential for both comfort and safety. Dental and medical gloves that are too tight can cause discomfort and restrict hand movement, leading to hand fatigue and hand injuries. Gloves that are too loose may slip or bunch, making it harder to handle small objects or perform tasks that require precision. For best results, choose surgical and exam gloves that fit snugly while still allowing natural movement.
Ergonomic features to look for:
- Textured fingertips for better grip in both wet and dry conditions
- Anatomical shaping to reduce stress on the hands
- Extended cuffs for added protection in clinical settings
How Should Disposable Gloves Fit?
The right glove fit is essential for both comfort and safety. Dental and medical gloves that are too tight can cause discomfort and restrict hand movement, leading to hand fatigue and hand injuries. Gloves that are too loose may slip or bunch, making it harder to handle small objects or perform tasks that require precision. For best results, choose surgical and exam gloves that fit snugly while still allowing natural movement.
Ergonomic features to look for:
- Textured fingertips for better grip in both wet and dry conditions
- Anatomical shaping to reduce stress on the hands
- Extended cuffs for added protection in clinical settings
Frequently Purchased With Dental and Medical Gloves
Do you carry latex-free gloves?
Yes, we carry a wide range of latex-free medical and dental glove options — including nitrile, chloroprene and vinyl — to ensure safe, reliable protection for latex-sensitive patients, as well as dental hygienists and other team members.
Do you offer extra-small gloves?
Yes, we have gloves in sizes XS to XL, including our CRITERION extra-small nitrile gloves and extra-small latex gloves with aloe and vitamin E. These smaller sizes are especially helpful for dental hygienists and clinicians who need a precise fit for detailed patient care.
Do you have half-size gloves?
Yes, we offer half sizes for a more custom fit, including in both our CRITERION gloves line and Ansell Ultraform™ nitrile exam gloves.
What disposable gloves are right for me?
If you’re a dental hygienist, you’ll appreciate exam gloves that go the extra mile for comfort — like options with aloe vera or colloidal oatmeal to help prevent dryness from frequent wear. If you have dry hands, these can make a noticeable difference during long days of patient care. Surgeons may want to consider sterile surgical gloves that provide enhanced tactile grip for wet/dry applications. Those with sensitive skin can look for disposable gloves that specify that they have low dermatitis potential.
How do I choose the right glove size?
The right fit makes a big difference — it reduces hand fatigue and helps improve dexterity. To find your size, measure the width of your hand at the knuckles and compare it to the manufacturer’s sizing chart. If you fall between sizes, consider options that offer half sizes, like certain CRITERION gloves or Ansell Ultraform nitrile exam gloves.
Do you have extended-cuff gloves?
Yes, we carry both standard- and extended-cuff gloves for a more precise fit.
What are chlorinated gloves?
Chlorinated gloves feature a chlorinated coating that helps reduce friction and makes it easier for the gloves to slide on and off.
How fast do your dental and medical gloves ship?
We know speed matters. That’s why 9 in 10 disposable glove deliveries arrive the very next day*, helping you get back on track fast and ensure uninterrupted patient care.
Educational Resources on Dental Gloves
Up Your Hygiene Game: 3 Reasons Why Dental Hygienists Need Utility Gloves
Michelle Strange, RDH, discusses three important benefits of utility gloves — and why dental hygienists should incorporate them into their infection control routine.
Choosing the Perfect Exam Gloves: 7 Essential Tips for Dental Hygienists
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.
* Times shown assume business days. Delivery times may vary based on location and external factors. Certain remote areas, including parts of the Dakotas, Montana and rural regions, may require over 2 business days for delivery. In the event an item is backordered or out of stock, we work closely with our suppliers to expedite the item or, if necessary, provide substitute options based on availability.