Before you can become a successful dentist with your own private practice, you will need to complete an accredited dental assisting program. This will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a dental assistant in a variety of settings.
With the ever-growing popularity of tattoos, many people considering this career path are wondering: can dental assistants have tattoos? Or will it hamper their chances of getting hired?
There’s no universal answer to this question – it can differ on a case-by-case basis.
Can Dental Assistants Have Tattoos?
While there are no explicit rules or regulations against tattoos in the dental profession, many employers prefer applicants without them. This is because, as ridiculous as it may sound in this day and age, some patients may still feel uncomfortable being treated by someone with visible body art.
In addition, dental assistants need to maintain a level of professionalism and appearance that is conducive to a calming, relaxing environment – something that may be difficult to do with conspicuous tattoos.
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That said, there are plenty of dental practices out there that are perfectly happy to hire tattooed assistants. It really just depends on the specific office’s policy.
So if you’re set on becoming a dental assistant and also happen to have some ink, the best thing to do is research the policies of potential employers before applying. That way, you can save yourself the time and effort of going through the hiring process only to be rejected because of your body art.
Are Tattoos Frowned Upon in Dentistry?
While the answer to this question might have been different 1-2 decades ago, nowadays, tattoos are generally seen in a more positive light – even in the dental profession.
No longer are tattoos associated solely with rebelliousness and delinquency; instead, they are now often seen as a form of self-expression.
With that said, there are still some holdouts who might see tattoos as unprofessional and inappropriate for certain workplaces – including dental offices.
Of course, as with anything else, there are always going to be those who disapprove of body art. But as long as you maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, there’s no reason why your tattoos should stand in the way of you having a successful career in dentistry.
The current trend is promising and it seems that the general opinion of tattoos is slowly but surely shifting in a more positive direction. So if you’re considering pursuing a career in dentistry and also happen to have some ink, don’t let the naysayers deter you – you just might be surprised at how open-minded your potential employers can be.
Tattoos to Avoid as a Dental Assistant
Based on the type and placement of tattoos, there are some that should be avoided to maximize your chances of getting hired as a dental assistant.
For example, tattoos on the hands, neck, or face are generally considered to be more controversial and may make some patients feel uncomfortable. These areas are by far the most difficult to conceal, so it’s best to avoid them altogether if you’re looking to enter the dental profession.
In addition, steer clear of anything that could be considered offensive, such as gang-related or racist tattoos. Even if you don’t consider your ink to be offensive, there’s a chance that patients might – and that’s not something you want to deal with in your professional life.
Why Do We Get Tattooed?
The reasons why people get tattooed are as varied as the designs themselves. Some do it for the meaning behind the image, others for the beauty of the art, and still others simply because they like the way it looks.
But regardless of why someone chooses to get inked, there’s no denying that tattoos have become more mainstream in recent years. And as the stigma surrounding them continues to fade, it’s likely that we’ll see even more people with body art – including dental assistants.
So if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, go for it! Just be sure to do your research and pick a design that won’t hinder your career prospects down the road.
