Professional Dental Attire: Boost Credibility and Confidence
“I believe that when you feel better about how you are dressed, you carry yourself better, perform better, and project a more professional image to your patients and colleagues”. Debora Carrier, CEO/RDH Twice as Nice Uniforms.
Right or wrong, humans take the first 30 seconds to form an opinion about you upon meeting you. What do they have to go by? Your dress, your smile, your posture, your overall image. The way you look and carry yourself speaks volumes to those around you. You can gain instant credibility within your dental career by looking put together and appropriate for all occasions. Studies show that well-dressed people are more confident and respected by their colleagues. Your work wardrobe is a huge part of this, and it shows if you haven’t put much effort into your dental uniforms.
Dentistry is one of the only professions where we work in baggy, wrinkled, ill-fitting dental scrubs. Think about what image you want to project. We are highly skilled professionals, and we need to dress the part. You have worked hard to get to this point, so you want your patients to feel confident and respect you. By paying careful attention to details, you can gain automatic respect from your patients and coworkers.
Professional Dental Attire
When dressing for work, here are things to think about:
- Comfort: Pick temperature-regulating, antimicrobial fabrics that move with you (spandex). When trying them on, move like you would at work.
- Safety: Follow infection control guidelines at all times! Wear scrub caps, dental jackets, gowns and radiation protection.
- Dental Professionalism: Studies show that lab coat professionals gain instant patient respect while showing that you have considered the patient in every decision you make.
- Image: Project confidence, but let your personality show through. High-quality dental scrubs with fun-themed socks are one example.
- Role: Dress for your position. Are you the doctor? Wear a white lab coat with your name embroidered. Do you work at the front? Dress in a nice blazer, dress shirt and pants.
- Neatness/Cleanliness: Look clean at all times! Hair pulled back, short facial hair, minimal jewelry and makeup, no fragrances, clean shoes, and spotless uniforms.
- Proper fit: Are your patients seeing things they shouldn’t? Wear tops and pants that are long enough and not too tight or too baggy.
- Durability of fabrics: Pick fabrics that will not fade, shrink, or wrinkle. These are fabrics that contain some polyester or rayon. Pay more for dental uniforms that will last the test of time.
So wear that nice white lab coat with your embroidered logo, your awesome fitting dental scrubs with matching socks and cap or your best business attire and conquer your day. This is a sure-fire way to maximize your potential as a temporary dental hygienist or assistant. Look great, feel great, be great!
