How to Choose the Best Dental Assistant Scrubs

Imagine showing up at work wearing scrubs that itch, squeeze, and sag all at the same time. Sounds like a nightmare, right? In the dental world, scrubs aren’t just a uniform they’re a second skin. Choosing the right one can either make your day a breeze or turn it into an eight-hour episode of “Why Did I Wear This?”

If you’re wondering how to choose the best dental scrubs, the short answer is this: focus on comfort, fit, durability, and style that matches your office vibe. It’s not about grabbing the first thing off the rack; it’s about picking something that helps you move easily, stay clean, and feel confident while you’re fixing smiles all day.

Now, let’s break it all down so you can find the perfect scrubs without losing your mind (or your paycheck).

Why Choosing the Right Dental Scrubs Matters

Think about this: patients already feel nervous in a dentist’s chair. When you walk in looking sharp, clean, and professional, you instantly make them feel a little better. Scrubs set the tone before you even say a word. If you show up in something wrinkled and baggy, patients might start wondering if you also dropped your dental tools on the floor. (Yikes.)

Plus, working in dentistry is not exactly a “sit still all day” kind of job. You need scrubs that move when you move, stretch when you stretch, and breathe when the heat is on (because holding that suction hose for 30 minutes can feel like a full-body workout).

Let’s not forget hygiene. Dental scrubs need to fight off germs like little invisible ninjas. Some materials even have antimicrobial properties to help you stay cleaner longer, which is great because no one wants to smell like the lunch they ate two hours ago.

Bottom line: the right dental scrubs make you look good, feel good, and work better. And trust me, patients notice more than you think.

Read Also: Showcasing Your Style Through Your Scrubs: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Dental Scrubs

Fabric Type and Comfort

Let’s start with what touches your skin all day: the fabric.

When choosing dental scrubs, fabric matters as much as coffee does on a Monday morning. Go for soft, breathable materials like cotton blends or polyester-spandex mixes. They keep you cool during stressful procedures (like wrestling a two-year-old’s wiggly molar).

Avoid scrubs that feel stiff or heavy. You’ll be bending, twisting, and reaching all day, not entering a 19th-century corset contest. Flexible fabrics like stretchy spandex blends make a huge difference when you’re leaning over patients and dodging splashes.

And don’t forget about sweat. Dental lights are hot, drills are noisy, and sweat is real. Lightweight, moisture-wicking scrubs will save your day and your dignity.

If you’re shopping, Mikal’s collection has scrubs that are both soft and strong enough to handle a busy dental office without falling apart after two washes. (Because nobody has time for sad, droopy scrubs.)

Fit and Mobility

Here’s a secret: looking polished is 80% about fit.

Scrubs that fit right make you look professional even if you just sprinted from the parking lot because you were late. Choose scrubs that are close to the body but not tight. You need enough room to move freely without looking like you’re wearing your dad’s old work shirt.

Pro tip: if you can easily do a squat or tie your shoes without flashing your socks (or worse), your scrubs fit well.

Many brands, including Mikal’s, offer petite, tall, and plus-size options. Don’t settle for a “one-size-fits-most” myth. Your body deserves scrubs that were actually made for it, not ones you have to wrestle into submission every morning.

Stretch panels, side vents, and drawstring waists are also your best friends. They’ll help you survive those long shifts and make you feel more like a superhero and less like a bundled-up marshmallow.

Durability and Easy Care

Nobody dreams of spending Sunday night ironing scrubs.

Dental scrubs must be tough enough to survive the battlefield coffee spills, toothpaste splatters, and the occasional mysterious goo from a kid’s mouth. (Let’s not think too hard about that last one.)

Look for wrinkle-resistant, stain-repellent, and colorfast materials. Machine washable? Yes, please. Scrubs that shrink like sad sweaters after one wash are not worth your money.

Good news: Mikal’s scrubs are designed to stand up to real dental life. They won’t start looking tired after two weeks, and you won’t need a mini dry-cleaning business on the side.

In short: buy once, wear often, wash easy.

Infection Control and Antimicrobial Features

When you work in a dental office, you’re basically battling tiny invisible armies all day long.

Antimicrobial scrubs sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but they’re real and really helpful. These scrubs help kill or slow the growth of bacteria, keeping you and your patients safer. Even though they don’t replace good hygiene practices, they add an extra shield of protection.

Especially when you’re dealing with saliva, blood, or those sneaky sneezes patients unleash mid-cleaning, antimicrobial scrubs are a smart move.

Check labels for materials treated with antimicrobial technology. Many of Mikal’s top picks come with this built-in feature, so you’re not just wearing scrubs you’re wearing tiny microscopic bodyguards.

Pocket Placement and Functionality

Dental professionals are basically moving toolboxes.

You need pockets. Lots of them. Scrubs without enough pockets are like backpacks without zippers — frustrating and useless.

Look for scrubs with chest pockets, side pockets, and hidden compartments. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you have to stash your penlight, gloves, lip balm, and maybe a snack for later (no judgment).

Double stitching and reinforced seams matter too. You don’t want your pockets ripping open like a bad sitcom gag when you’re in front of a patient.

Mikal’s designs understand this, offering scrubs with the right kind of pockets not just random ones that can barely hold a paperclip.

Color and Style Choices

Think scrubs have to be boring? Think again.

Many dental offices allow colors beyond the classic navy or teal. Some even let you wear fun prints, cheerful pastels, or seasonal themes. (Halloween scrubs, anyone?) However, before you go wild with the polka dots, check your office’s dress code first.

If your office plays it safe, stick with neutrals or muted tones. They always look neat, and you’ll blend in nicely with the professional vibe.

But if you’re lucky enough to have creative freedom, go for colors that make you happy. After all, you’re the one staring at yourself in the mirror every morning at 6 AM.

Mikal’s collections offer a wide range from traditional professional shades to fun, upbeat options. So no matter your vibe, you’ll find something that fits.

Popular Brands Recommended for Dental Scrubs

When it comes to scrubs, not all brands are created equal.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

• Mikal: Known for tough, workhorse scrubs that are still soft.
• FIGS: Trendy, fitted, and crazy comfortable — but a little pricey.
• Grey’s Anatomy by Barco: Super soft and drapey; feels luxurious without the crazy price.
• Dickies: Tough and affordable, perfect if you want durability first.
• Healing Hands: Stretchy and breathable — great if you’re always on the move.
• WonderWink: Fun cuts and styles, perfect for adding a bit of personality.

Mikal’s curated selections mix the best features of these brands without the painful price tags, giving you quality and style in one smart package.

Budgeting for Dental Scrubs

Let’s be real: scrubs aren’t a “buy once and done” deal.

You’ll need at least 3–5 sets to rotate through a busy week. That way you’re not doing panic laundry at midnight before an early shift.

Price depends on the brand, features, and material. However, paying a little more upfront for durable, comfy scrubs saves money (and sanity) in the long run. Cheap scrubs = saggy knees, faded colors, and weekly regrets.

Mikal’s store offers scrubs at sweet-spot prices affordable without feeling cheap, so your wallet can breathe too.

Tips to Extend the Life of Your Dental Scrubs

Want your scrubs to live a long, happy life? Treat them right.

Wash them in cold water to keep colors bright. Avoid using bleach unless you want to turn your sleek navy scrubs into sad, faded gray rags. Tumble dry on low heat or, better yet, hang them up to air dry. Your scrubs will thank you by staying comfy and looking sharp.

Don’t overload your washer. Scrubs need space to breathe while they’re getting cleaned, just like you do on a crazy Monday.

Lastly, resist the urge to use heavy fabric softeners. They can mess with the antimicrobial treatments, and nobody wants that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should dental scrubs fit?
Snug but not tight. If you can move freely and feel comfy bending and stretching, they fit right.

Can dental professionals wear prints?
Depends on the office! Some love it, some stick to solid colors.

How many scrubs should I own?
At least three to five sets to get you through a typical workweek.

Do antimicrobial scrubs make a difference?
Yes, they help cut down on germs living on your clothes. Extra peace of mind for the win.

Are expensive scrubs worth it?
Often, yes. Better materials mean better comfort, longer lifespan, and fewer “why did I buy this” moments.

Conclusion

Choosing the best dental scrubs isn’t rocket science, but it does take a little smart thinking.

Focus on comfort, fit, durability, and style that matches your work vibe. With the right scrubs, you’ll look professional, feel fantastic, and handle the day’s challenges like a champ.

If you’re ready to upgrade your scrub game, Mikal’s collection is a great place to start because life’s too short for bad scrubs.