Working in the fast-paced environment of a dental practice means that uniform can easily fall down a dental professional’s list of priorities. Whatever your role in the dental team, what you wear can have a big impact on how you feel and how you work, and on how patients feel too. Below are some of the main reasons you should invest in your dental uniform.

Comfort

Wearing masks and gloves all day can be demanding enough without the hindrance of uncomfortable, ill-fitting scrubs. It is important that all dental clothing is cool and breathable without being too big or too baggy. Polycotton is one of the best fabrics for scrubs as the material is strong and durable, yet still soft and comfortable. In terms of weight, 145gsm (grams per square metre) and 175gsm polycotton tops are both lightweight options with the latter slightly thicker and more durable.

Once you’ve got the essentials down, it is worth thinking about what additional features could make the team even more comfortable in their day-to-day. This could include:

• Side or back vents - helps you to keep cool even on busy or warm days
• Tie-waist, elastic waistband - for improved blood circulation, breathing and comfort when sitting
• Multiple pockets - to store everything you might need while on shift

For expectant mothers, uniform should ideally be planned with both the present and future months in mind. Cherokee maternity uniform is designed to grow with a baby bump and support and flatter the wearer using their current size with no need to size up.

Hygiene

Clean dental uniforms are vital to a safe, healthy dental practice where patient wellbeing is a priority. All scrubs should be easy to wash and disinfect to prevent the spread of harmful microorganisms. Uniforms should comply with the regulations and safety and hygiene standards outlined in HTM 01-05 guidelines. The 2009 version of HTM 01-05 states that clothes should be washed with a suitable detergent at a minimum temperature of 60°c.

For this reason, it is important that your scrubs are suitable for washing at 60°c. As this is a high temperature wash, it is worth investing in a uniform that is fade-resistant and durable enough to withstand constant washing. All our dental scrubs are designed specifically for the dental market and are produced with durability in mind.