The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (COD) brings together workforce members (employees, faculty, students, volunteers, trainees, etc.), patients, and visitors for patient care, education, and research. Our patients' confidence and trust are directly and indirectly influenced by their assessment of professional decorum, conduct, attitude, and personal appearance. The conduct and appearance of all workforce members also form a major part of the collective impression outside of the provision of care -- including alumni, legislators, foreign dignitaries, visiting professors, and others who visit the College of Dentistry. It is incumbent on all of us in the college community to conduct ourselves with dignity, responsibility, and respect for others and to maintain appropriate dress and a well-groomed professional appearance in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the COD.
College of Dentistry allows self-expression through personal appearance, unless it conflicts with a workforce member's ability to perform their duties effectively or it is regarded as offensive or harassing towards others in the college community, including patients and guests.
All workforce members must comply with the Professional Appearance and Dress Code policy. Since patient care is delivered throughout the year, it is important to maintain a professional appearance during college business hours, Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, as well as during evening clinic hours and other college-approved activities, for example, Kid’s Day, Veteran’s Day, and Mission of Mercy events.
IDENTIFICATION:
OU COD Badge must be:
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Always worn.
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Clearly visible.
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Worn above the waist.
PROFESSIONAL APPEARANCE:
Hair, Facial Hair, and Head Coverings:
Allowed:
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Hair that is clean, neatly groomed, and a natural or neutral color.
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Cloth head coverings worn for religious purposes.
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Facial hair that is clean-shaven or neat, trimmed, and well-groomed.
Prohibited:
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Caps or hats.
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Fashion headscarves.
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Do-rags or skullcaps.
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Stocking or knit caps.
Fingernails:
Allowed:
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Nails must be neat, clean, and short enough to support the functional use of hands and fingers.
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Nail/Gel polish must be smooth and free of chips or cracks.
Prohibited:
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Excessively long, visibly unclean, or soiled nails.
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Worn, chipped, or cracked polish.
Personal Hygiene & Fragrances:
Allowed:
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Clean and free of offensive body odor.
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Scents that are applied in moderation.
Prohibited:
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Being visibly unclean or soiled.
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Body odor that has an offensive scent/smell.
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Excessive perfume, scents, cologne, or aftershave.
Jewelry & Accessories
Allowed:
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Jewelry that does not interfere with job duties.
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Headphones, earbuds, or other similar devices, if supervisor approved for role.
Prohibited:
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Jewelry that presents a safety hazard.
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Volume exceeding the ability to hear fire alarm or safety/faculty instructions
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Volume interfering with others’ ability to work or study
Tattoos:
Allowed:
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A professional appearance is expected.
Prohibited:
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Obscene images or words.
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Offensive based on gender, race, sexuality, or religion.
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Tattoos that have yielded patient or employee complaints must always be covered.
PROFESSIONAL ATTIRE:
Clothing:
Allowed:
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Clothing must be clean, wrinkle-free, and properly fitted.
Business casual:
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Suits
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Dress slacks
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Cotton/twill pants
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Skirts or dresses of appropriate length
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Polo-style shirts
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Collared shirts
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Blouses with long or short sleeves
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Sweaters
Casual Friday Attire:
On designated Casual Fridays, the following are allowed unless otherwise announced:
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OU/COD design t-shirts or sweatshirts.
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Jeans.
Prohibited:
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Bare midriffs
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Exposed undergarments
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Excessively tight or loose clothing
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Shirts or tops with inappropriate content
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Tank tops, camisoles, or spaghetti strap tops worn as an outer garment
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Jeans with tears, holes, and excessive wear, including designer distressing
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Ripped or frayed clothing
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Yoga pants or workout attire
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Sweatpants/athletic pants
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Shorts
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Clothing should not be transparent (see-through).
Footwear:
Allowed:
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Most types of shoes are acceptable if they are clean and presentable
Prohibited:
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Rubber flip-flop-style shoes
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Slippers
DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS:
Students:
All violations will result in the student being sent home to change, plus:
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Violation
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Corrective Action
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First
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Written warning (copy to Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs and Director of Compliance).
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Second
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Professional Concerns Report (PCR) filed (copy to Assistant Dean for Clinical Affairs and Director of Compliance).
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Third
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Appearance before the appropriate Periodic Assessment Committee, which could result in further disciplinary action.
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Workforce Members:
All violations will result in the workforce member being sent home to change, plus:
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Violation
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Corrective Action
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First
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Written e-mail warning from Director of Compliance to workforce member cc’d to workforce member’s supervisor.
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Second
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A review with Supervisor and Director of Compliance
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Third
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A review with the Dean of the College of Dentistry.
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Fourth
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Disciplinary measure up to and including dismissal
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Any incident involving patient endangerment may result in immediate disciplinary action.
