Dental Attire: What Do Dentists Wear and Why?

Standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Dentistry

1. White Lab Coat / Clinical Jacket: Fluid‑resistant barrier; usually cotton or cotton‑poly blend.
2. Scrubs: Comfortable, easy‑to‑launder tops and pants; color‑coded by role in some offices.
3. Gloves: Single‑use latex or nitrile; changed between patients.
4. Face Mask: Surgical or N95; blocks aerosols and splatter, protects both patient and provider.
5. Eye Protection: Safety glasses, goggles, or face shield against debris and splashes.
6. Lead Apron: Worn during radiographic procedures to shield from scatter radiation.

Proper PPE use follows CDC and OSHA guidelines for infection control and radiation safety.