Occupational Safety and Health Administration Logs

According to OSHA regulations for a Dental Assistant, do I have to pull my hair up?

I just started a new job as a dental assistant..The dental assistant who is training me said I MAY have to put my just-above-shoulder length hair up, but she wasn't sure according to "OSHA" regulations. Does anyone know? Just wondering because i HATE wearing my hair in a ponytail but if I have to, then I'll deal with it.. Thanks.

Public Comments

1. Well if you dont like wearing your hair up in a ponytail you could do a cute bun or do french braids or clip it up.
2. Whether OSHA mandates that or not, I'm not sure. I'd check online for OSHA's website and look for that info or even call or email them with your question. All I know for sure is that while in Dental Hygiene school we not only had to have our hair up, we also had to pull it away from our face. We couldn't just have a ponytail.We had to take our ponytail hair and wind into a bun type configuration so that none of our hair hung down at all. Honestly, now while working, I Always wear my hair up away from my face in a ponytail. I have seen some people who did not though. But that is sooooooooo disgusting! There are millions/billions of aerosols with bacteria & viruses created while doing Dentistry. Why would you even want to work without your hair pulled back? Think of all the ick that will fly into your hair while you work that you can then take home to family and friends. Gross! I also always wear a mask and goggles. I have numerous times had blood, spit, polish and water fly up onto my mask and goggles. this could also have gone into my hair! Be protected! It's not a beauty pageant. You need to protect yourself and your patients!
3. OSHA regulations require a hazard analysis for every job. This is to be done by a qualified person with knowledge of that job function. In this case it would be a dentist or dental supervisor. If they say hair up, it is hair up. The reason however might be in the dental laws in your jurisdiction, which would be separate from OSHA.
4. Not unless you are in danger of getting your hair caught on something while the dentist is working. OSHA is not in the business of keeping the clients safe from others hygiene, but is in the business of keeping the workers safe from work place hazards. I think you are thinking about health inspectors.
5. OSHA does not mandate this, but seriously I had my dentist's hair in my face I would be mad. It is more likely a CDC issue more then an OSHA issue since it is about health of a person and not the safety of an employee