The “P” WordThe “P” Word

Venita J. Sposetti, DMDAssociate Dean for Education

In the next weeks, months,

years and, yes, decades,

you are going to hear this word a lot.

The “P” word0What is it?

ProfessionalismProfessionalism

Professionalism• A Profession requires acquisition and

application of a body of knowledge and technical skills.

• Members are bound together by a shared commitment.

• They regulate themselves.• They practice with a code of ethics.• A profession has a contract with

society.

The way you present yourself to others in your workplace is one small piece of becoming a

professional.

0It’s a good first step.

Professionalism0Not about whether you play golf, or wear plaid shirts or 2 plaids together.0It’s about what’s inside of you, what drives your actions.

Professionalism0Honesty and integrity0Respect for others0Do no harm

Professionalism0Trouble is there is leakage between

your private life and your professional life.0The challenge ahead for all of you is

to figure out how to be yourself, authentically you, and also to be a professional.

Professionalism0This isn’t something most people

figure out right away.0You may work on this for years.0This is a heads up for you.

0When you come to the college, you will begin this journey.

Professional Dress Code

0We have a school dress code.

Why a Dress Code?0The clinics are located near D3-3, the

Simulation lab, & small group rooms D 3-39, D3-31 and D 1-26.

0When patients see you in very casual dress (the sort of thing you are used to wearing in college), patients make assumptions.

Professional Dress Code0They don’t know that you are a first year

student and not treating patients.0There are already some issues for patients

with student dentists treating them.0You are helping out the other students.0And you will benefit from this help as you go

through dental school when you start treating patients.

Professional Dress Code0expected to be neat & clean, in dress,

0present themselves to faculty, staff, colleagues, and patients in a manner that reflects their professional development.

Professional Dress Code0Applies in the Health Science Center

during usual business hours, from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 0It applies to all usual academic activities,

including didactic lectures and exams, preclinical simulation classes, and clinical patient care activities during the four-year curriculum.

Professional Dress Code0The UFCD Dress Code can be found in the

Clinic Procedure Manual (page 72) at the following link: 0Education/Forms and Publications/Clinic

Procedure Manual

Professional Dress Code: Men

0clean, collared dress shirt and tie or 0College-approved scrub top with dress slacks, or 0approved scrub top and bottom. 0No shorts, denim jean slacks, hats.0 In the Sim lab/clinics, Open toed shoes are a no-no.

Professional Dress Code: Women

0Dress (covering knees when sitting) or 0Blouse (not T shirt) or college approved

scrub top with skirt (knees covered) or slacks, or 0a scrub top and bottom.

Professional Dress Code: Women

0Shorts, capris and denim jean slacks and hats are unacceptable attire. 0In the Sim lab/clinic, open toed shoes, skirts

and dresses and nail polish are no-nos.

Professional Dress Code0Special Note: We expect you to be fully

covered and modest in your appearance.

Simple solution?0Wear the ceil blue, approved scrubs.0Wear a t shirt underneath for modesty

and warmth. 0Wear plain white or black tennis shoes

with socks long enough to cover your legs when seated.

White Coats?0Students may wear a clean white clinic

coat of any length over the scrubs or dress clothes.

Go Professionally!Go Gators!