Dentist uniform: What to wear as a dentist

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Choosing the perfect work uniform can be daunting, especially if it’s your first job. There is some common confusion regarding the dental dress code; are they meant to wear scrubs? Can they dress informally?

At Greenbergs, we’re here to run through the dress code with you if you’re entering the world of dental careers.

We’re the place to buy all your work uniform needs, with high-quality products at low prices. Check out our dental scrubs and uniform section to buy your new work uniform today.

The Key Components of a Dentist's Uniform

It is important to remain professional at work, but it is just as important to look the part. With any job, you must look sophisticated and wear practical clothes that you can work efficiently in. However, this is especially important when working in healthcare.

Dentists aren’t much associated with the typical healthcare look; when you think of scrubs, you think of a nurse or a doctor before you think of a dentist. However, there are many similarities in the dress code.

Lab Coat

Lab coats are worn to protect clothing and to maintain good hygiene in the office. This stops the spread of germs for different patients and colleagues from spreading onto the surface of your clothes, reducing cross-contamination.

Aside from hygiene reasons, the white lab coat is commonly used to identify workers within an industry. If you went to the dentist and saw everyone walking around in normal clothes, you wouldn’t be able to tell who is a dentist and who is a patient. The white lab coats are also a sign of healing and authority, which is why many healthcare industries still commonly incorporate them into their uniforms.

Some work environments require dentist to wear a lab coat. However, it is not mandatory in every place of work, therefore it is best to check with your employer before you purchase one.

Scrubs

Scrubs are the most practical option for many places of work, which is why workers in the healthcare industry are required to wear them. When you work a job that requires looking after patients all day and moving about different areas, you need comfortable clothes to wear.

Many dentists wear scrubs for this reason. When conducting dental extractions, bacteria and fluids can transfer onto clothes; therefore, scrubs allow dentists to cover up throughout their shift, leaving them with clean clothes underneath travel home in.

Have a look at our range of scrubs that are perfect for anyone in the healthcare industry.

Footwear

Dentists are required to wear non-slip, toe-closed shoes that are designed for hours of standing up and moving about. 

Many dentists are susceptible to foot problems and leg issues due to the amount of standing required on the job. Hard business shoes, sturdy trainers, and soft soles are the perfect options for a dentist to wear.

Have a look at our safety footwear range, which provides the best protection for your feet in the workplace.

Dress code guidelines

Here is a list of the do’s and don’ts in the dentistry industry to prepare you for life as a dentist and prevent you from receiving any warnings. These guidelines are taken from the NHS clinical dress code policy.

Do’s:

  • Wear sturdy, toe-closed shoes.

  • Clinical robes and gloves must be worn.

  • Hair must be appropriately tied back.

  • Appropriate PPE should be worn.

  • Short sleeves are required to prevent any restrictions from the elbow down.

Don’ts:

  • Revealing clothes, peaked hats, and tracksuits should not be worn.

  • Long earrings, bracelets, and rings shouldn’t be worn.

  • False nails are not allowed in the workplace.

  • Don’t carry sharp objects in breast pockets.

Uniform Etiquette and Behaviour

It is essential to maintain a professional appearance when working in any industry. However, healthcare professionals are required to look after many patients and hold a high level of authority and cleanliness; therefore, healthcare professionals need to appear tidy and organised.

To adopt great uniform etiquette, it is required that you wash your uniform after every use to ensure any fluids and bacteria aren’t left over for the next shift. If scrubs aren’t required in your place of work, then wearing a lab coat over formal clothing will help you appear much more professional and put-together for your patients.

For women, wearing your hair in up-do hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, and buns will help you look more sleek and tidy, and if you have long hair, this will help you work more efficiently as it won’t be able to get in your face throughout your shift.

Although certain jewellery is permitted, it is best to stick to stud earrings to prevent the risk of damage, loss of property, or injuries wearing jewellery may cause.