Influence of Dentists' Attire on Patient Perceptions: Gender Differences and Social Media Impact

Abstract

Objective

The attire and appearance of health care professionals play an important role in shaping patients' perceptions of their professionalism, confidence, and credibility. In the era of social media, where image and visual presentation are highly valued, one might question whether details such as the color of laboratory coats have changed. This study aimed to evaluate patient preferences regarding dentists' attire and its impact on their confidence and perceptions of professionalism. Additionally, the study explored gender-based differences in these responses.

Materials and Methods

A total of 73 participants (38 males and 35 females; mean age 20.18 years) were enrolled. Participants were presented with images of male and female dentists wearing laboratory coats and scrubs in six colors (white, dark blue, light blue, gray, black, and green) and their visual attention was tracked using The Eye Tribe tracker and OGAMA software. Following the eye-tracking session, participants completed a questionnaire on the importance of a dentist's appearance, attire preferences, and color preferences using visual analog scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS (v.25) with descriptive statistics, Student's t-test, Pearson's chi-squared test, and validation tests (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin = 0.682, Bartlett's p < 0.001).

Results

Participants preferred white attire (40%) over other colors, with dark blue and light blue following. Younger participants showed some interest in nontraditional attire, though white remained dominant. Gender differences were observed; females were more likely to feel uncomfortable with a dentist's attire (17.1%) compared with males (2.6%; p = 0.035). Both genders favored laboratory coats over scrubs, but no significant differences were found regarding attire preferences (p = 0.352).

Conclusion

Traditional white attire remains the preferred choice among participants, reflecting professionalism and trust. However, gender differences in discomfort with attire suggest the need for tailored approaches in clinical settings. These findings may also have implications for social media, where the digital representation of health care professionals could shape patient expectations and preferences.

 

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Keywords

dentists' attire - gender differences - professionalism - social media influence - eye-tracking

Introduction

Patients' preference for health care professionals is primarily influenced by their ability to communicate effectively, demonstrate empathy, and manage pain. Other personal factors, such as gender, age, ethnicity, and attire, also play a significant role in patients' choice of dentist.[1] [2] The attire and appropriate appearance of health care professionals have been debated and extensively evaluated over time. However, there remains a deficiency of published studies specifically addressing the attire of orthodontists.[3]

The white coat has traditionally been perceived as a symbol of authority, cleanliness, respect, and trust. Most health care professionals opt to wear it for practical reasons, such as being easily recognized by patients and clearly identified in their professional roles. Nevertheless, recent years have witnessed a shift toward alternative attire among health care professionals.[4] While many patients continue to prefer the white coat, noting it as the attire of choice compared with other colors,[5] different clothing options can evoke varying emotional responses. The selection of appropriate attire may also enhance empathy and strengthen the dentist–patient relationship.[6]

In pediatric dentistry, studies have shown no significant difference in patient preferences between colored and white coats. Simple modifications in professional appearance, such as wearing formal attire, can influence perceptions of credibility. For instance, formal clothing, like a suit and tie, conveys authority, expertise, and professionalism. While many health care professionals prefer formal attire, some might reconsider their choices if evidence suggested that clothing style impacts credibility and treatment outcomes.[7]

Patients associated formal attire with greater trust and competence in their providers, and dental staff are encouraged to consider patient preferences when selecting clinical attire to enhance comfort and confidence during treatment.[8]

Patient perspectives on dental student professionalism emphasize the importance of consistent professional behavior, with attire, hygiene, and communication identified as key elements, and attire in particular was found to strongly influence how patients perceive the professionalism of dental students.[9]

Although attire preferences have been studied in medical and pediatric dental contexts, little is known about how attire color influences perceptions in orthodontics. This study addresses that gap by using subjective responses and eye-tracking data to evaluate whether the color of an orthodontist's attire affects patient perceptions of credibility, expertise, and quality of care.

 

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Materials and Methods

The study protocol received approval from the university's Ethics Committee. All participants provided written informed consent prior to the utilization of their data.

Photograph Preparation

Two images were selected for this study: one of a male model and one of a female model, both Caucasian with black hair. These images were carefully selected with the aim of using realistic images that align with real-world clinical experiences. Furthermore, they were sourced from <www.dreamstime.com>, with proper usage rights duly acquired. The photos were edited using Photoshop CS5 (Adobe, San Jose, California, United States) to standardize their appearance. Edits included the removal of facial hair and blemishes, as well as adjustments to the attire colors. The models' laboratory coats and scrubs were modified to represent six colors: light blue, dark blue, white, gray, black, and green ([Figs. 1] and [2]). Those colors were based on a previous study,[10] adding white and gray attires.

Fig. 1 Male model wearing a white coat (top) and scrubs (bottom) in different colors. Source: Copyright of Dreamstine LLC, TN, USA.

Fig. 2 Female model wearing a white coat (top) and scrubs (bottom) in different colors. Source: Copyright of Dreamstine LLC, TN, USA.

 

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Participant Selection

Participants were included in the study if they were 18 years or older, had no history of neurological or visual conditions, had not recently consumed alcohol, medications, or substances that could affect cognitive abilities, achieved a “perfect” software calibration, and completed all questions in the questionnaire. Those who failed to meet these criteria were excluded. The sample size was based on a previous study[11] with 60 participants. To ensure reliability, 77 individuals were recruited, exceeding that reference. After applying inclusion criteria, 73 valid responses were obtained, which provided sufficient data for the applied statistical analyses.

 

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Data Collection

Data collection took place in April 2024. Participants were randomly approached and invited to participate. Information on gender and age was recorded at the start of the study. Eye tracking was conducted using The Eye Tribe tracker hardware (The Eye Tribe ApS, Copenhagen, Denmark),[12] and OGAMA software has been supported in previous perception-based studies.[13]

Images were displayed randomly, and the eye-tracking software was meticulously calibrated to ensure data reliability. Calibration was repeated up to three times if necessary to achieve a “good” classification; otherwise, the process continued only after attaining a “perfect” calibration. After calibration and signing the informed consent form, participants were seated comfortably at a distance of 60 to 90 cm from a vertically oriented Dell P2317 monitor. Each image was displayed for 10 seconds in random order.

The data collection was conducted in a classroom setting. The use of carefully edited, standardized photographic stimuli—designed to reflect realistic clinical imagery—along with a comfortable and controlled environment, helped ensure that participants' responses were based on visual and perceptual cues rather than being influenced by the setting itself.

 

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Questionnaire

Following the eye-tracking section, participants completed a questionnaire via a link distributed on the QUALTRICS platform (QUALTRICS XM, Provo, Utah, United States), using their smartphones. The questions were adapted from previous studies,[3] [14] and aimed to assess participants' perceptions of dentists' attire and its potential influence on their confidence and preferences. The questionnaire included items rated on a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 (not important) to 100 (extremely important) allowing for the quantification of subjective perceptions and facilitating comparisons of the perceived importance of different factors, such as the importance of a dentist's appearance, the impact of attire on confidence, and whether attire should reflect the dentist's specialty or the type of procedure being performed.

The use of the VAS was based on adaptations from previously published and validated studies,[3] ensuring relevance to subjective assessments in this context.

Additional questions gathered categorical responses regarding participants' experiences and preferences. [Table 1] provides a breakdown of differences by sex for selected questionnaire items. For example, participants were asked whether they had ever felt uncomfortable with a dentist's attire (Yes/No), their preferred style of attire (laboratory coat, scrub, or “I don't mind”), and their preferred attire color (from options evaluated in this study, including an “I don't mind the color” option). This comprehensive questionnaire provided insight into the factors influencing patient perceptions of orthodontists' professional appearance.

Table 1 Differences by sex and questions

	Sex	N	Mean	Standard deviation	p-Value
How important is your dentist's appearance to you?	Male	38	67.55	21.670	0.606
	Female	35	70.54	27.525
Do you believe your dentist's attire affects your confidence in them?	Male	38	72.13	22.736	0.740
	Female	35	70.17	27.408
Do you believe your dentist's attire should reflect their specialty?	Male	38	61.42	27.392	0.837
	Female	35	60.03	30.166
Do you believe your dentist's attire should reflect the type of procedure you are undergoing?	Male	38	55.71	36.162	0.546
	Female	35	60.49	30.572

Note: Statistical difference when p < 0.05.

 

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Statistical Analysis

The data collected from the eye-tracking software and questionnaires were organized in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 25 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois, United States).

Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the sample. Comparisons between male and female participants were performed using the Student's t-test for continuous variables. Pearson's chi-squared test was employed to assess associations between categorical variables, such as responses to the question, “Have you ever felt uncomfortable with a dentist's attire?” ([Table 2]).

Table 2 Cross-tabulation of responses regarding discomfort with a dentist's attire and sex

		Have you ever felt uncomfortable with a dentist's attire?		Total	p-Value
		Yes	No
Male	Counting	1a	37b	38	0.035
	%	2.6	97.4	100.0
Female	Counting	6a	29b	35
	%	17.1	82.9	100.0

Note: Each subscript letter denotes a subset of the "Have you ever felt uncomfortable with a dentist's attire?" categories whose column proportions do not significantly differ from each other at the 0.05 level.

To evaluate the external validity of the questionnaire, the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) test and Bartlett's test of sphericity were conducted. The KMO value was 0.682, indicating reasonable adequacy, and Bartlett's test yielded a statistically significant result (p < 0.001).

 

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Results

A total of 73 participants (mean age: 20.18 years) agreed to take part in this study, comprising 38 males (mean age: 20.18 years) and 35 females (mean age: 20.17 years). [Table 3] shows a cross-tabulation of attire preference by sex.

Table 3 Cross-tabulation of attire preference and sex

		Preference			Total	p-Value
		Coat	Scrub	It is not relevant
Male	Counting	18a	3a	17a	38	0.352
	%	47.4	7.9	44.7	100.0
Female	Counting	21a	4a	10a	35
	%	60.0	11.4	28.6	100.0

Note: Each subscript letter denotes a subset of the "I prefer dentists who attend wearing" categories whose column proportions do not significantly differ from each other at the 0.05 level.

From the eye-tracking results, images of female professionals in dark blue laboratory coats and scrubs garnered the highest visual attention. White, green, and black laboratory coats also attracted attention but in a more dispersed pattern, while gray and light blue laboratory coats had less visual impact ([Fig. 3]).

Fig. 3 Heat map analysis of the female professional. Source: Copyright of Dreamstine LLC, TN, USA.

For male professionals, participants showed a preference for traditional clinical attire, with the white laboratory coat receiving the most attention, followed by dark blue, gray, and black. Light blue and green laboratory coats drew minimal attention. A similar trend was observed with scrubs, where the white scrub was the most favored ([Fig. 4]).

Fig. 4 Heat map analysis of the male professional. Source: Copyright of Dreamstine LLC, TN, USA.

A significant gender-based difference was observed in participants' experiences of discomfort with a dentist's attire. Female participants were more likely to report feeling uncomfortable (17.1%) compared with males (2.6%) (p = 0.035). Regarding attire preferences, laboratory coats were the most favored by both genders, with a slightly stronger preference among females (60%) than males (47.4%). Scrubs were less popular, with only 7.9% of males and 11.4% of females preferring them, while a notable proportion of participants indicated that attire was not relevant to them. However, there were no statistically significant differences between genders regarding attire preferences (p = 0.352).

For the question, “When I go to the dentist, I prefer their attire color to be,” white was the most preferred color (40%), followed by respondents who indicated that attire color was not a relevant factor (27%). Light blue was chosen by 18%, while dark blue and black were each selected by 10%, gray by 5%, and green by 2%. Although younger participants showed some interest in alternatives to the traditional white attire, white remained the overall preferred choice ([Fig. 5]).

Fig. 5 Percentage distribution of color preferences for dentists' attire. Copyright of Dreamstine LLC, TN, USA.

 

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Discussion

The results of this study partially support the null hypothesis, as no significant differences were observed between genders regarding perceptions of a dentist's credibility, expertise, or quality of care based on attire color. However, the null hypothesis is rejected for patient comfort, with females reporting significantly higher discomfort with certain attire choices (p = 0.035). While white was the most preferred color, variations in preferences suggest that attire color may influence comfort and aesthetic preferences.

The attire of health care professionals has been widely debated, yet few studies have focused on dental attire, particularly in orthodontics. Previous research indicates that traditional attire, such as formal clothing paired with a white coat, is associated with trust, professionalism, and hygiene, with 76% of patients favoring this combination.[15] By contrast, scrubs and casual attire are less preferred, selected by only 10 and 9% of patients, respectively.[16] In pediatric dentistry, preferences are more varied; parents tend to favor work uniforms (56%), while children show a balanced preference for work uniforms (43%) and white coats (37%).[17] These findings emphasize the influence of context and demographics in shaping perceptions of professional attire.

In this study, eye-tracking technology revealed that dark blue attire for female professionals attracted the most visual attention, contrasting with the stronger preference for traditional white attire for male professionals. The dominance of white as the preferred color aligns with international studies, where the white coat is recognized as a universal symbol of professionalism and trust.[18] [19] Despite its widespread appeal, colors like green and gray were less favored in this study, consistent with prior findings linking these colors to reduced professionalism and experience.[20] Preferences often reflect attire commonly seen in clinical settings, as noted in studies across different countries.[18]

Children's perceptions of dental attire are particularly context-sensitive. While traditional white coats are associated with authority and hygiene among adults, colorful or casual clothing can create a welcoming environment for children, particularly those who are anxious.[19] Elements such as ties or pens on a dentist's attire can also attract children's attention, as their focus is more on specific details rather than overall clothing style.[21] These findings reinforce the need to tailor attire choices to the patient population being served, particularly in pediatric settings.[22]

The influence of physicians' attire on adults' perceptions has been extensively studied, with formal attire—especially when paired with a white coat—being preferred in 60% of studies.[19] Images of dentists in white coats or formal suits were linked to trust and security, while gray and black clothing were associated with lower professionalism and experience.[20] Surgical scrubs were generally less preferred by adults, though they played a significant role in influencing relationships with children aged 4 to 8 years in emergency settings.[23]

This study also revealed that blue attire was perceived as the most attentive and trustworthy for both male and female professionals, with dark blue emerging as the preferred color for female attire. Conversely, green garnered minimal interest, aligning with findings that it conveys less attentiveness.[11] Although black attire was not included in this study, its association with reduced professionalism and experience is noted in prior research, potentially due to limited exposure to black uniforms in clinical settings.[19]

The observed gender-based difference in reported discomfort may be attributed to greater sensitivity among female participants to nonverbal cues such as attire, potentially influenced by social conditioning or prior clinical experiences. Public perceptions of professionalism are shaped by implicit gender biases, with women often facing stricter appearance expectations or interpreting visual signals more critically.[20] These psychosocial factors may explain the heightened discomfort and highlight the importance of gender-sensitive approaches to professional presentation in clinical settings.

The attire worn by dentists plays a critical role in creating a comfortable and approachable environment for children while maintaining professionalism for adult patients. Casual or child-friendly clothing may help reduce anxiety among younger patients, while formal attire and white coats remain essential for fostering trust and competence among adults.[19] [22] [24] Eye-tracking technology proved effective in analyzing visual preferences, reinforcing its utility in future studies exploring patient perceptions.

In terms of trust, intelligence, and security, the white coat continues to dominate as the preferred attire among patients.[25] These results align with prior studies indicating that patients are more willing to discuss personal matters and feel more confident in medical procedures when the professional wears a white coat.

In the digital age, patients often form first impressions online, where visual presentation strongly influences trust. Social media content featuring professionally dressed clinicians can shape expectations that carry over into clinical settings. A recent review in aesthetic dentistry found that social media often prioritizes appearance over qualifications, reinforcing the importance of professional image both online and in person.[26]

As an innovative topic in orthodontics, this study highlights the need for further research to explore the relationship between attire and patient perceptions, particularly with respect to variables such as age, ethnicity, and cultural factors and deepen the findings related to more discomfort in relation to female gender. Furthermore, there is a need to bring these findings together with other variables, such as facial expressions and posture. Understanding these dynamics can help professionals better align their appearance with patient expectations, ultimately enhancing the quality of care and the overall patient experience.

While the present study was conducted with a specific population in a controlled setting, we recognize that cultural norms and health care contexts (e.g., public hospitals vs. private clinics) greatly influence patient expectations. Research shows that attire preferences vary by region, gender, and age, with some populations more accepting of colored coats,[4] emphasizing the need for broader investigation.

Attire considered professional in one setting may not be perceived the same in another. Preferences for traditional or colored attire can vary across cultural and clinical environments. Future research should explore these differences to help clinicians adapt their appearance to diverse patient populations.

 

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Conclusion

Both male and female participants acknowledged the importance of a dentist's appearance, recognizing its impact on confidence and its role in reflecting their specialty. A gender-based difference was noted, with females more likely to report discomfort with certain attire, suggesting that gender influences perceptions of professional attire. All these information can guide health care professionals in various clinical settings for better patient satisfaction.

Despite evolving perceptions, the traditional white laboratory coat remains the most preferred choice, reflecting its enduring association with professionalism and trust in dentistry. In the era of social media, where visual presentation is crucial, maintaining a professional appearance enhances trust and credibility.

While some participants expressed flexibility, indicating that attire color was not a significant factor, traditional clinical attire continues to play an important role in maintaining patient confidence and the professional image of dentists, both in-person and online.

 

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Conflict of Interest

None declared.

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Publication History

Article published online:
14 August 2025