What Do Dentists Wear From Scrubs to Protective Shields

Proper attire for dental care teams ensures both patient trust and infection prevention. It also helps the team work safely and efficiently: the right clothes reduce contamination risks, support ergonomics at the chairside, and make roles clear to patients. This short guide explains what dentists wear to work, how dress codes balance hygiene and professionalism, and which protective items are required for different procedures.

The Dentist Dress Code: Dressing for Patient Trust and Safety

Before a dentist even says hello, their clothing already sends a message: clean, competent, clinical. A clear dress code for dentist teams also serves a practical purpose — it helps ensure safety by limiting contamination, standardizing laundering, and making it straightforward who does what in the treatment room. That’s why every reputable dental clinic adheres to a clear dentist dress code — one that balances:

• Infection control
• Professional appearance
• Practical comfort that lets clinicians wear work safely for long shifts

At its core, the dress code ensures that everyone — from general practitioners to orthodontists and dental assistants — wears clothing compatible with clinical hygiene standards and workplace comfort.

Closed, non-slip shoes are non-negotiable. They prevent sharps injuries, reduce falls, and support posture during prolonged procedures. Ergonomics, often overlooked, is a dental safety factor too: garments must support freedom of movement for long stretches at the chairside.

Do Dentists Wear Scrubs? The Answer to the Big Question

Yes — in nearly all clinical settings, dentists wear scrubs. When patients ask “what do dentists wear” or “what do dentists wear to work,” scrubs are the default answer in modern dental practice.

Why are scrubs the standard?

• Easy to launder and disinfect: Scrubs withstand high-temp washes and commercial sanitizing.
• Professional and recognizable: Helps patients immediately identify clinical staff.
• Color-coded by role: Hygienists may wear one color, assistants another, dentists a third — especially in multi-room practices.

In certain non-invasive or consult settings — such as Invisalign check-ins or office-based consultations — a clinician might opt for neat, solid-color businesswear with a white coat overtop. Even then, shoes remain clinical, and hair must be controlled.

Many dentists now accessorize scrubs with matching or printed scrub caps — especially during aerosol-generating procedures. These caps aren’t just aesthetic—they help contain hair and reduce contamination risk.

The White Coat: A Classic Symbol of Expertise

The white coat remains a powerful cultural symbol of expertise, even in dentistry.

Typically worn:

• At initial exams or consults
• For patient communication settings outside procedures
• By faculty and students at dental schools

Most coats are made from cotton-polyester blends, are knee-length, and include pockets for tools and notes. Some clinics have policies allowing colored or embroidered white coats, or lightweight “dental jackets” in royal blue or navy.

During hands-on procedures, especially surgical or restorative, white coats are usually removed in favor of fluid-resistant gowns.

Beyond Scrubs: The Role of Business Casual in a Dental Office

In private practices, cosmetic offices, or multi-discipline dental centers, clinicians may wear business casual during:

• Consult days
• Administrative or training sessions
• Off-chair procedures or recording days (marketing, social media, FAQ video filming)

Even in these scenarios, attire must always prioritize cleanliness, modesty, and identification. The moment a procedure begins, PPE and scrub-level hygiene supersede visual branding.

A Breakdown of Essential PPE for Dentists

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an essential component of safeguarding both dentists and their patients. Appropriate selection depends on:

• Procedure type
• Aerosol presence
• Exposure risk

Masks: The First Barrier Against Aerosols

Dentists wear masks in nearly every patient interaction. The choice depends on aerosol generation:

Type	Use	Filtration
Surgical mask	Routine exams and cleanings	Droplets, splatter
N95 respirator	Ultrasonic scaling, drilling, surgery	Aerosols, fine particles

N95 or KN95 are recommended when high-speed instruments are used. All masks must:

• Fit snugly
• Be replaced after contamination, soaking, or prolonged use

Reusing single-use masks violates CDC standards.

Protective Eyewear, Goggles, and Face Shields

Dentists face constant splash and aerosol exposure, especially during handpiece use.

• Protective goggles are minimally sufficient for low-aerosol visits
• Full face shields are worn during drilling, ultrasonic scaling, or minor surgeries

Wearers of glasses should use over-the-glasses PPE or prescription-corrected shield systems. After each session, protective surfaces require EPA-approved disinfection.

Gloves: A Critical Rule for Infection Control

Gloves form a direct-contact barrier — but they aren't enough on their own.

• Types: Nitrile (most common), latex (less used due to allergy risk)
• Policy: One patient = one glove pair
• Always paired with hand hygiene before donning and after removal
• Damaged or torn gloves must be immediately discarded

Dental professionals never touch charts, doorknobs, or devices with soiled gloves.

Gowns and Jackets: When Are They Necessary?

During procedures with:

• High aerosol generation
• Visible splatter risk
• Surgical exposure

...fluid-resistant gowns or dental jackets are worn over scrubs.

These garments must be:

• Changed daily, and between messy procedures
• Washable at ≥60°C, or single-use if disposable

Hair covers (scrub caps/bouffants) are increasingly standard during aerosol work or when OSHA requires full coverage. Besides protection, they help denote clinical discipline and maintain hygiene.

The Official Dental Office Dress Code and Other FAQs

While each dental school, clinic, or private office may have its own dress code details, certain expectations are universal across dentistry:

• Consistently clean attire
• Clear visual identification
• Appropriate PPE use based on procedure
• OSHA and CDC infection control compliance

Below, we answer frequent questions dentists commonly ask — or are asked by their teams and patients.

Quick answers to common staffing and patient questions:

• What do dentist wear to work? Primarily scrubs, with lab coats or jackets for consults.
• What do dentist wear? Same — scrubs are standard.
• Dress code for dentist? Clean, professional, and compliant with infection control: scrubs, closed shoes, and required PPE.
• Dental nurse dress code? Functional scrubs, adequate PPE, and color‑coding per clinic policy.
• Orthodontist dress code? Scrubs chairside; lab coat or jacket for consultations; enhanced PPE when aerosols are present.

What Do Orthodontists Wear? A Look at the Specialist Dress Code

Orthodontists typically wear scrubs in clinical settings — especially during bonding, wire adjustments, or impressions.

Gloves, protective eyewear, and surgical masks are routinely used. N95 respirators and face shields are added when performing tasks that produce aerosols, such as interproximal reduction.

In many offices, orthodontists wear either a scrub jacket or a lab coat during consultations and treatment planning sessions, typically over clinical scrubs — this is part of a professional orthodontist dress code that favors neat, clean presentation while ensuring clinical readiness.

Although orthodontic procedures generally involve minimal bleeding or surgical exposure, handpieces and ultrasonic tools still generate aerosol, so appropriate protective measures are required.

Do Dental Assistants Wear Scrubs? The Staff Dress Code Explained

Yes — almost all dental assistants wear scrubs. Color coding is common:

• Dental assistants: charcoal or black
• Hygienists: light blue or teal
• Dentists: navy or cobalt

Assistants are often the first to assist chairside, pass instruments, place suction, and clean rooms — so functional, cleanable, comfortably fitted scrubs are mandatory. Uniform dress codes also strengthen patient trust by visually uniting the care team.

Their PPE matches their role: surgical mask, gloves, sometimes eye protection, and for high-risk procedures — disposable jackets, scrub caps, and face shields.

Decoding the Dental School Dress Code

Dental students undergo strict dress code expectations — especially during patient interaction. Typical dress code includes:

• Clean, non-patterned scrubs
• Name badge and school patch/logo
• Fully closed, non-slip shoes
• Hair tied back + optional scrub cap
• Lab coat over scrubs in communal or academic spaces
• Use of protective face gear in clinical labs and simulation spaces (“phantom head” work)

Every student is taught to dress like a practicing dentist — fostering habit, professionalism, and hygiene compliance from day one.

Why Handwashing Is Crucial Even When Wearing Gloves

Dentists sometimes forget the golden rule: gloves don't replace hand hygiene — they reinforce it.

According to CDC guidance, handwashing is required:

• Before putting on gloves
• Immediately after removing gloves
• Between different patients
• After touching contaminated surfaces, even with gloves

Microperforations, improper glove changes, or cross-contact make hand hygiene before, during, and after the cornerstone of safe practice.