Dress Code Basics

Regardless of whether you are a receptionist, a doctor or a technician, your choice of clothing must be appropriate for the workplace. Each office or medical center will provide the employees with a handbook, which includes a detailed explanation of the official dress code policy. Although some of the rules may differ, most institutions have rules that can apply to any type of medical setting.

Male employees should wear tailored slacks and dress shirts. Women should wear dress pants or skirts with hemlines slightly above the knee or at calf length. Female employees should wear blouses or conservative dressy tops. While working in a medical office, open toed shoes are usually not permitted. Do not wear sandals or flip flops. These types of shoes may be hazardous, especially if the employees are around electronic equipment, where wires can get caught in those shoes, and in case of liquids they may come in contact with, such as blood or urine. Also, some chemical compounds may burn or irritate the skin.

As a matter of comfort, women should wear low heeled shoes, since employees spend a lot of time walking and standing.

Accessories and Grooming

Employees should wear as few accessories as possible. Earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other piercings may impede the employee’s work or catch on a patient or equipment. If employees wear earrings, they should choose studs or tiny earrings.

Many workplaces discourage uncovered tattoos. If the employee has a tattoo in a visible area, such as the arm or leg, he must cover it by wearing long sleeves or pants or by applying makeup to cover the tattoo. Visible body piercings are also frequently discouraged. Employees in many medical offices cannot have tongue or other facial piercings.