Cheri
ED: I am an EFDA in Ohio and we have had a totally "latex Free" invironment for many years. It is easy to start, and keep going, however, it can be costly if whoever does your buying of supplies does not do their homework. We use inexpensive "exam gloves" made of vinyl for non-invasive procedures (which are for exams, hygiene checks, denture adjustments, suture removals, impression taking, anything that does not have blood contact). For all other operative procedures we use Nitrile Powder free gloves, We get both Microflex nitrile pf's (expensive, but you can negotiate with your supplier) and Glove Club's brand nitrile pf's, which we all like. They are bright purple, and we get a lot of cool comments from these. The kids just love them. They are cheaper in cost, but not quality, but to be beneficial in cost, you need to negotiate a price and order 20 boxes or so. We also get our saliva ejectors, cotton rolls, bibs, high-vac suction tubes, sterilization bags, 2X2's, tray covers and chair covers from them, so the more you order, the more they will negotiate with you. I can get you the # if you like. We also use non-latex rubber dam, I think Hygienic makes this. It comes in cool colors too. Your local supplier can get this for you also. As far as bite blocks, if you use them, you can get the styrofoam disposable ones, they work OK. If it turns out that it is your staff that is having the reactions, it is probably the powder in your gloves, not the material. Switch to Powder free to see if this helps. The only problem with powder free is that if your hands are not dry after washing, they are difficult to get on, but if you go to a larger size, it is easier. Call the prospective glove suppliers and ask them for samples of every size to help you decide. Best of luck!!!!!! Cheri***