The job of a dentist is to ensure the oral health of their patients.
For many, going to a dentist’s office is seen as a necessary evil. This is often because of the fear that many have of needles and pain. As a result, it is important for dental staff to be as welcoming and comforting as possible.
While there’s no doubt that people with tattoos are perceived in a much better light these days, there are still some industry sectors that aren’t as “progressive” and the medical industry can be seen as one of these. So the question that arises is – can dentists have tattoos?
The answer to this question may vary depending on the circumstances.
Can Dentists Have Tattoos?
One thing is for sure – there’s no law or regulation prohibiting tattooed dentists from practicing. The decision of whether having them on the show is a good idea or not will ultimately come down to the preference of the dentist and/or the dental practice they work for.
Some dentists may feel that their tattoos could make some patients feel uncomfortable, while others believe that it could actually make them seem more approachable. It really is a personal decision that should be based on the type of clients you normally deal with and whether you work for someone or independently.
- Related: Can Dental Assistants Have Tattoos?
There are also those in the industry who believe that having tattoos could make it difficult to find a job in the first place. It’s true that some workplaces may have policies in place that prohibit visible tattoos, but this isn’t always the case.
At the end of the day, it really comes down to what you’re comfortable with and whether you think your tattoos will have a positive or negative impact on your career.
Being Your Own Boss vs Working for Someone
Before setting up their own dental practice, many dentists will work for someone else first. This is the natural order of things that gives them the opportunity to get a feel for the industry and decide whether they want to go down the self-employed route.
Naturally, having to work for another person/company first means that you won’t have as much freedom when it comes to making decisions about your appearance – including whether or not you can have tattoos.
In this case, it’s important to first do proper research on the work environment you’ll be entering and see what the company’s stance is on employees with visible tattoos. If they’re not too keen on the idea, then it might be best to either keep your ink hidden or reconsider working for them altogether.
Of course, going independent comes with a much bigger freedom when it comes to these things since you’ll be the boss. This means that you can make the decision of whether or not to allow tattooed dentists in your practice and whether or not to be covered in ink yourself.
Are Tattoos Frowned Upon in Dentistry?
Even in the dentistry profession, tattoos are now typically viewed in a more positive light, despite the fact that the response to this question might have been a different one to two decades ago.
Tattoos are no longer just connected with rebellion and crime; they are now frequently viewed as a form of self-expression.
However, there are still some skeptics who believe that tattoos are unprofessional and improper for specific places of employment, such as dentist clinics.
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Of course, just like with anything else, there will always be some that are against body art. But there’s no reason your tattoos should prevent you from having a prosperous career in dentistry as long as you keep up a professional appearance and behavior.
The present trend is encouraging, and it appears that attitudes toward tattoos are gradually but definitely improving. Don’t allow the doubters to stop you from pursuing a profession in dentistry if you also happen to have some tattoos.
Tattoos to Avoid as a Dentist
Having to deal with clients in close proximity on a daily basis, it’s understandable that some might not appreciate certain types of tattoos – no matter how well done they are.
This is why it might be best to avoid getting inked with anything that could potentially be seen as polarizing or even offensive.
Some examples of tattoos to avoid as a dentist include:
- Racist, sexist, or otherwise offensive symbols and images
- Swear words or other profanity
- Gang-related symbols
Of course, this is just a small list of some of the more obvious ones. In general, it’s best to use your best judgment and common sense when deciding which tattoos are appropriate for your profession.
The types of tattoos to avoid are one thing but the placement is also essential. Many dentists choose to get small, discreet tattoos that can easily be covered up if need be.
This way, you won’t have to worry about offending anyone or being judged for your body art. Plus, it’s always easy to show them off later on down the road once you’ve established yourself in your career.
If you’re not sure whether or not a certain tattoo is a good idea, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and avoid getting it. Better safe than sorry!
Why Are Tattoos More Popular & Acceptable Now?
There are a few reasons why tattoos have become more popular and acceptable in recent years.
One of the main reasons is that people’s attitudes toward them have changed. Tattoos are no longer seen as taboo or only for rebellious teenagers. They are now frequently viewed as a form of self-expression.
Another reason is that technology has come a long way, and tattoo artists can now create much better designs than they could in the past. This means that people are getting much higher quality tattoos that they can be proud of.
Finally, there are now more places than ever before where people can get tattooed. Thanks to the rise of tattoo shops and parlors, getting inked has become much more convenient and accessible than it used to be.
All of these factors have contributed to the growing popularity and acceptability of tattoos in society.
Dentists & Tattoos: Final Word
Whether or not dentists can have tattoos is ultimately up to each individual practice owner or dentist. There are pros and cons to allowing tattooed employees, but ultimately it’s up to the person in charge to decide what’s best for their business.
If you’re a dentist with tattoos, as long as you keep them professional and appropriate, there’s no reason why you can’t have a successful career. And who knows, maybe you’ll even help change people’s minds about tattoos in the process!
Just use your best judgment when it comes to both the types of ink you get and where you choose to put them. This way, you’ll be sure to maintain a professional appearance that won’t jeopardize your career.
