Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Dental Professionals: A Layered Defense

The Clean Bite

Welcome to The Clean Bite! If this is your first time stopping by, I’m Sherrie Busby, EDDA, CDSO, CDIPC, a lifelong dental assistant turned dental infection control enthusiast. I’m glad you’re here! If you’ve read my previous posts, you might remember I briefly touched on personal protective equipment (PPE) and joked that when I started in dentistry, it was like the Wild, Wild West. No lie—back then, protocols were more like “suggestions.”

Thankfully, we know better now. Today, I’m diving deeper into PPE, specifically 2 elements that are often either overlooked or just not followed properly. Spoiler: if you’ve ever rocked the “chin bra” mask look or worn a cropped lab coat because it’s cute (guilty!), this post is for you.

What the CDC and OSHA Say About PPE (Yes, You Do Have to Follow It)

Let’s start with the foundation: PPE is not optional. I repeat—not optional. Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the CDC have published clear guidelines that protect us during patient care. One of our go-to references, the Summary of Infection Prevention Practices in Dental Settings, spells it out plainly.

Here’s a quick excerpt straight from the CDC’s guidance:

“Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to wearable equipment that is designed to protect dental health care personnel (DHCP) from exposure to or contact with infectious agents. PPE that is appropriate for various types of patient interactions and effectively covers personal clothing and skin likely to be soiled with blood, saliva, or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM) should be available….”

This includes:

• Gloves
• Face masks
• Protective eyewear
• Face shields
• Protective clothing like gowns, jackets, and lab coats

And we’re not talking about just putting it on. Proper usage means:

• Wearing gloves when there is potential for contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials (OPIM)
• Wearing protective clothing during procedures that might cause splatter or overspray
• Wearing face/eye protection during procedures likely to produce overspray
• Proper removal of PPE to avoid cross-contamination
• Always ending with hand hygiene

Also, quick side note: saliva is classified as an OPIM. That’s important in dentistry, where contact with saliva is practically unavoidable.

Reality Check: It’s Not Just What You Wear—It’s How You Wear It

Most dental professionals wear PPE. But wearing it correctly? That’s where things get a little messy. Let’s walk through a few real-life examples—and yes, I’m calling myself out here too!

Years ago, when I didn’t know better, I used to wear 1 mask all day unless it looked dirty. And in the name of saving supplies, I’d let it hang from one ear between patients. I genuinely thought I was being smart. But after sneezing a dozen times in a row one day, it hit me—that mask was soiled. Yikes.

One of the biggest offenders? Improper mask use. Come on, folks... the “chin bra” isn’t doing anyone any favors. I once worked with a fantastic doctor who wore her mask tucked under her chin between patients, then tossed on a new one right before walking into the operatory. Sometimes she forgot to take the old one off—ending up with 2! Bless her heart!

Even dental marketing photos get it wrong by posing staff with masks under their chins. Not cute, not safe.

Mask Rules 101

To clarify, here are the actual rules for proper mask use:

• Change your mask when visibly soiled
• Change it between patients
• Remove it when leaving the treatment area (yes, even if you’re just “stepping out”)

And please—don’t shove it in your pocket.

Let’s Talk Jackets and Gowns (also known as “the Heatstroke Uniform”)

Next up is the great jacket/gown debate, and whew—this one gets spicy. If you’ve ever worked a summer in a full-length, high-necked lab coat, you know the sweat is real.

According to the CDC’s Guideline for Isolation Precautions, the point of gowns and jackets is to fully cover the arms and front of the body, from the neck to mid-thigh or below, especially when seated. That means covering your lap. It’s meant to prevent contamination from splashes, sprays, or overspray during procedures.

Here’s the problem: Many dental professionals (myself included, back in the day) opt for short jackets. Why? They’re cooler, cuter, and let’s be honest—no one wants to feel like the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man while trying to chart or assist a crown prep. But guess what? If your lap is exposed, those scrub pants become contaminated PPE. That has real consequences.

Picture This...Clinical Chaos in BVDs

Let’s get real for a second. In every office I’ve worked in (except one), we wore scrubs from home. And since scrubs are considered “street clothes” under OSHA and CDC definitions, wearing them as PPE and then out into public spaces can be a big no-no, especially if they are contaminated.

Now imagine this: You’re wearing a short jacket that doesn’t cover your lap. You help with a scaling or handpiece-heavy procedure. Boom—your scrub pants are now contaminated PPE. So, what happens when you need to step into the front office or grab your lunch? That yuck goes right along with you. Technically, you should remove the contaminated gear first.

Can you imagine the clinical team running around the front desk in their undies to check a patient out? I’m not trying to be dramatic, but it’s ridiculous and risky.

Fines, Inspections, and Real Consequences

A dental consultant friend of mine told me about a client who was fined nearly $9,000 during an unannounced OSHA inspection. Why? A dental assistant, still in her jacket, was working at the front desk. One small mistake—one big fine.

Let’s Not Forget About the Laundry

If your scrub pants are contaminated PPE, they can’t go home with you in your gym bag. They need to be laundered in accordance with OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Standard—no exceptions.

Think about the gross factor here. Sitting in your car, eating drive-thru fries on your lap, then walking into your house with your babies and furry friends jumping up to greet you. All while carrying home saliva, blood, and who knows what else? Their little faces are all up in your lap area, which is covered in your busy day! Double YIKES.

So, What Are Your Options?

Here’s a simple breakdown for PPE adherence that works in the real world:

Mask Use

• Remove when leaving the operatory
• Change between patients
• Change when visibly soiled
• No more chin bras!

Proper Jacket/Gown Coverage

• Wear one that covers your lap when seated
• Remove it before leaving the treatment or sterilization area

If Wearing a Short Jacket

• You must remove both your jacket and scrub pants before leaving the clinical space
• Handle your scrub pants as contaminated laundry

If you're looking for more official guidance, check out the full CDC guideline here and keep it handy as a reference.

Thanks for sticking with me through this deep dive on PPE. Infection control may not always be glamorous, but it’s essential and protects all of us.

Catch you next month on The Clean Bite!

Stay safe out there,
Sherrie