The value of White Shoes for Dental Hygienists cannot be understated.
When patients come to your dental office, they expect a high level of professionalism and cleanliness. If they don’t feel comfortable with the sanitary conditions in your office, they will find another dentist.
Therefore, it is very important that your dress be clean and appropriate at all times. Scrubs are the preferred clothing choice because they are easily cleaned and made from sturdy material.
The proper shoe choice is a white leather dental hygienist shoe. It is made from treated leather because that material will not absorb spills and can be thoroughly cleaned as necessary. White is the required color because it gives the impression of cleanliness which is imperative in a dental office.
Nursing or medical shoes may be worn if they are white and made of treated leather. Otherwise, they are not appropriate for a dental hygienist.
Another important consideration in the selection of shoes is proper support. You stand on your feet all day, so a supportive sole and arch support is crucial in a good dental hygienist shoe.
White shoes like these are to be worn in the dental office only. That way they can keep their impeccably clean appearance. Use street shoes for getting to the office and home each day.
Styles
Traditionally dental hygienist shoes were slip-on moccasin style. This style is very practical because there are no laces to clean and the sole prevents slipping. Shoes in this style are still very popular today; however, many new styles have been created.
Clogs
Clogs are one good choice because they provide ventilation. Also popular are the lace-up shoes from well known running shoes manufacturers such as New Balance and Nike. These shoes are very comfortable and easy to put on, but they must be cleaned thoroughly, which can be a challenge.
Top Brands
There are a number of companies producing comfortable, practical and attractive shoes for the dental hygienist. Some of the top ones are:
Nurses Mates
These shoes come in a very wide variety of styles, including many white options. They are made of special stain resistant leather, and have a cushioned foot bed. Nurse Mates also manufacture Quark shoes. Quarks have a patented Pro Air System, which makes them very breathable to keep your feet cool. However, the higher heels on some models put weight on the balls of the feet where the support is not sufficient. Therefore, take care when selecting these models.
Landau
This company makes rubber shoes which are very comfortable. Some hygienists say these are the most comfortable shoes they have ever worn. However, they can stain and be difficult to clean, even with bleach. Also, they have been known to crack. When selecting this shoe, be aware that they run wide. They are available in lace-up and slip-on models.
Dickies
Their shoes are comfortable and breathable, making them a good choice for the dental hygienist. However, they run small so you might want to order a size larger than your regular size.
New Balance, Nike and Skechers
These are athletic shoes companies whose shoes can be suitable for the dental hygienist. Care must be taken to keep these shoes and their laces properly clean. They are known to be especially comfortable.
Where to Buy
There are many good websites that sell dental hygienist shoes at reasonable prices. Amazon.com, zappos.com, scrubshopper.com, shoeline.com and allheart.com carry a wide selection of these shoes at reasonable prices. If you prefer to try the shoes on at a store, Sears, Target and Shoe Carnival are all good choices. The athletic shoe companies such as New Balance, Skechers and Nike have free standing stores, often at outlet centers.
Shoes for Male Hygienists
All of the companies mentioned in this article manufacture shoes for the male dental hygienist. These shoes should be easy to find at any of these stores.
Prices
Shoes suitable for a work environment are often more expensive than street shoes because they are built with extra support. Expect to pay $40-60 for a good quality pair of shoes for work as a dental hygienist. The more expensive athletic brands can run up to $120. Pay attention to sales and do some website research in order to obtain the best price for your shoes.
Sizes
All of the above-mentioned retailers have sizes ranging to a size 9 in women’s shoes and a size 12 in men’s shoes. For larger sizes and wide widths, try zappos.com and Target stores.Proper footwear is very important for the dental hygienist. With the proper shoes, you can feel comfortable all day long and assure your patients you work in a professional, sanitary dental office.