Dental hygienist dress code

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Accepted Answer

Dental Hygienists, like other medical professionals, have their own dress code that can vary from office to office, but, in most cases it includes scrubs or lab coats, proper foot attire, and making sure the rest of your appearance looks clean and professional. Dental hygienists are healthcare professionals who work closely with dentists to provide preventive oral care to patients. As such, a dental hygienist's appearance is important especially if they are interacting with patients all day.

The dress code for dental hygienists:

Scrubs.This is the most common clothing for dental employees. Aside from making dental hygienists easily identifiable and providing comfort and range of movement for the wearer, scrubs offer adequate protection against bodily fluids.
Lab coat.In many clinics, lab coats are also essential clothing that a dental hygienist must wear, especially if they are doing some dental procedures. On top of protecting the wearer from accidental spill or contact, lab coats also prevent contamination from spreading beyond the clinic.
Footwear.Dental hygienists are on their feet for the majority of the day. Walking, running, leaning, bending over, and other activities are common among their activities. So, wearing comfy shoes while working is a must.
Personal hygiene.Dental hygienists must maintain good personal hygiene, including clean hair and nails, fresh breath, and no strong perfumes or colognes.
Jewelry.Minimal to no jewelry is recommended, as it can interfere with hygiene procedures or pose a safety hazard. Stud earrings and a wristwatch are typically acceptable.
Hair and makeup.Hair should be tied back or kept off the face to prevent interference with procedures, and makeup should be kept minimal and professional.
PPE. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and eyewear, should be worn during patient care to prevent the spread of infections.

At the end of the day, dental hygienists keep their appearance "crown-worthy" by wearing scrubs or a uniform, comfortable footwear, minimal jewelry, and personal protective equipment like gloves and masks during patient care.