Dress and Behaviour
Students are required to observe standards consistent with the privilege of treating patients. You are constantly under scrutiny, not only in the clinics, but generally as you move about the public thoroughfares of the Dental School/Hospital building. You should dress professionally when in the building and present for serious business as dental illness is serious to patients. Untidy or leisure-like dress conveys to patients an impression of inappropriate handling of their needs.
Following is the dress code which must be adhered to at all times.
- The following clothing/footwear must not be worn in any clinic: jeans, faded, frayed or dirty clothing, brief tops/skirts/shorts, excessively low cut trousers, sporting attire, sneakers, suede shoes, thongs, sandals or any open-toe shoe.
- A minimal standard of personal hygiene and grooming is expected. Hair may be long or short, but must be neat. Men should be freshly shaved or ensure that their moustaches/beards are neatly groomed.
- A long, white laboratory coat must be worn by the first, second and third year BDSc students and the first year BOH students for various practical classes, e.g. Microbiology, Histology, Chemistry.
- Laboratory gowns (supplied by the students) and a name badge must be worn by BDSc and BOH students when undertaking practical work in the School laboratories.
- Hospital gowns and other protective wear such as facemasks and gloves (supplied by the Hospital) and a name badge must be worn by all BDSc and BOH students when undertaking work in the clinics. Hospital gowns must not be worn outside the clinical treatment areas, including the reception area/patient waiting room and when you are escorting your patients to and from the clinic. When the clinical work has finished, students must dispose of these gowns in the “dirty linen bags” located throughout these areas.
You should also note that the Royal Melbourne and Austin Hospitals and Private Oral Medicine and Surgery rooms require dental students to maintain the same standard of dress as medical students, which includes a tie for male students.
During clinical work you are in close proximity to patients and the following additional points should be observed:
- Long hair must be tied back so that it does not obscure your vision or fall onto the patient’s face.
- It is essential to use an effective deodorant.
- If you smoke, ensure you mask the smoking odour.
- Halitosis is a problem associated with smoking as well with some foods. These foods must be avoided prior to clinical work.
- Alcohol and drugs must NOT be consumed prior to any clinical session.
- Fingers and fingernails should be clean, and nails MUST NOT be painted with a coloured lacquer.
These requirements for dress and conduct of students have been produced after consultation between staff and students.
In order to avoid unnecessary embarrassment, which may be caused by disciplinary action, please observe these requirements at ALL times when you are in the Dental School/Hospital building. You MUST follow these requirements or you may not be permitted to participate in classes.