Colored hair in dental school?

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predentwasconfused

Waiting on interviews!
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I'm thinking about dying my hair tips a bright color like blue or red, and I have naturally dark hair. Is it against the policy at dental schools to have dyed hair? I'm planning on coloring it after my interview and after I've been accepted (hopefully), and I couldn't find anything on the websites for the schools I'm applying to that have any policies against dyed hair.

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I'm thinking about dying my hair tips a bright color like blue or red, and I have naturally dark hair. Is it against the policy at dental schools to have dyed hair? I'm planning on coloring it after my interview and after I've been accepted (hopefully), and I couldn't find anything on the websites for the schools I'm applying to that have any policies against dyed hair.

Just out of curiosity, is this whats on your mind when you apply? Is this going to make or break your decision to go to dental school or not? I mean when I was in your shoes all I could think of was whether or not my personal statement was good enough and how I could fix it up. You are more than a year out of dental school and things change in that time. Who says you will want to dye your hair anyway at that time. Sorry if I come off too strong but this is not really something of major importance and if it is maybe dental school isn't for you. As for the answer to your question, I don't see why a school would care about the color of your hair, unless it makes a difference in regards to the personality you have.
 
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That’s something you can ask current students during your interview. For now, focus on getting your application together and actually getting to the interviews and acceptances stage
 
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I personally think forget red or blue... learn to bbq very well and pull out some guy fieri frosted tips
 
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In my experience, the less conspicuous you can make yourself to faculty, the better. Keep a low profile if you can.
 
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Just out of curiosity, is this whats on your mind when you apply? Is this going to make or break your decision to go to dental school or not? I mean when I was in your shoes all I could think of was whether or not my personal statement was good enough and how I could fix it up. You are more than a year out of dental school and things change in that time. Who says you will want to dye your hair anyway at that time. Sorry if I come off too strong but this is not really something of major importance and if it is maybe dental school isn't for you. As for the answer to your question, I don't see why a school would care about the color of your hair, unless it makes a difference in regards to the personality you have.
THANK YOU
 
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Ignore all the jerks on this thread. To answer your question, I would avoid unnatural colors. You may be able to get away with some more natural looking reds or blondes but I have yet to see anyone with pink/purple/green/etc. hair in school. As someone else said, you really don't want to be noticed by your professors (unless it is for your great work).
 
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I mean, sure, go for it, but keep in mind how you represent yourself is always judged/perceived in a certain way, and that you're accountable for managing that perception, not someone else. You're part of a dental school with faculty, administrators, the Dean, other dental students, patients who walk through the clinics and see you... a program that's been around for way longer than you'll ever be there, and will survive much longer after you leave.

No matter what society tells you, we constantly judge others and form opinions on it. Blue/red/pink hair isn't considered professional in any sense. So that's that.
 
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Relax boys! OP, wait till you get accepted and then do whatever you want. If a school finds it somewhat inappropriate, I'm sure they'll tell you to change it but as a dentist, I don't think you would want to do this.
 
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I'm thinking about dying my hair tips a bright color like blue or red, and I have naturally dark hair. Is it against the policy at dental schools to have dyed hair? I'm planning on coloring it after my interview and after I've been accepted (hopefully), and I couldn't find anything on the websites for the schools I'm applying to that have any policies against dyed hair.
Have you thought about getting extensions in the color you want that you can take off. It's saves your hair from damage and let's you maintain a professional look
 
I couldn't find anything on the websites for the schools I'm applying to that have any policies against dyed hair.

Did you actually scour their websites to see if it's ok to have your hair dyed? :bored:
If you're going to do it, expect to get judged. But do it if it makes you happy... just don't do blue.
 
I don't see why a school would care about the color of your hair, unless it makes a difference in regards to the personality you have.

This is where your response should have started to the OP's question. Obviously it was an important aspect in her process for her to even ask the question. All the other ish you wrote was unnecessary
 
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I've actually had the same idea haha, though I was just going to deal with it after acceptance as well. I would say maybe stay towards neutrals or toned down colors, but since you're only doing tips I don't think it should be that bad.
I doubt there's an actual official rule about hair color for at least the first non-clinical years.
 
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i don't think @WolfsBane 's additional comments were unnecessary at all. If its that important for you to get into dental school and you have mixed feelings about dying your hair, chances are that it isn't a good idea. The LAST thing you should be worried about when applying to a dental or medical school is what color my hair should be during my interview. Focus on GETTING your interview first.

Neither you nor Wolfbane know anything about the OP's process and what they're "truly focused" on. Yall just assumed because they asked about hair that they dismissed every other part of the process, which is ignorant. Just because they were curious about ONE aspect of their process doesn't mean they dismissed or negated all of the OTHER parts... you know what they say about making assumptions about people...
 
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Neither you nor Wolfbane know anything about the OP's process and what they're "truly focused" on. Yall just assumed because they asked about hair that they dismissed every other part of the process, which is ignorant. Just because they were curious about ONE aspect of their process doesn't mean they dismissed or negated all of the OTHER parts... you know what they say about making assumptions about people...

I don’t think the issue here was being curious about hair color, it was that OP created a thread about it on a forum instead of worrying about it after they got accepted somewhere. Since OP isn’t talking about dyeing their hair right now, the general consensus seems to be that at this stage, their main concern should be preparing for the application rather than planning out something that will happen in after December 1st
 
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Wait until you’re accepted and then feel out the school’s culture.
 
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Get it out of your system by doing it now and chopping them off before interviews. Expect to present yourself professionally when applying to, AND attending professional school.
 
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Man, there are such a range of answers here. The only thing I can add is try to put yourself in the place of the person in the chair. I personally do not want a dentist working on me that comes across as too "edgy" or trendsetting because damn, you're putting really sharp things in my mouth. Sometimes boring is good. I would much rather have a boring, conservative dentist that's going to not be getting creative with my tooth structure. If your hair is really crazy I'm going to tell you that I have to go to the bathroom and then make a run for it....eat the cancellation fee and reschedule with someone that looks like they have really steady hands - at another clinic. People are shallow and we make snap decisions based on appearances all the time. Doing what's best for the patient might mean making style choices that are not very fashionable.
 
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I'm thinking about dying my hair tips a bright color like blue or red, and I have naturally dark hair. Is it against the policy at dental schools to have dyed hair? I'm planning on coloring it after my interview and after I've been accepted (hopefully), and I couldn't find anything on the websites for the schools I'm applying to that have any policies against dyed hair.
Idk why everyone is giving you such a hard time. It's not as if you are debating whether to either dye your hair or go to dental school... they aren't mutually exclusive. You aren't even going to be seeing patients for the first year so that argument isn't valid on what they will think of you. There was a D2 here at my school who had completely blue hair for a couple months this year and nobody thought anything of it.

Also... whoever told you to keep your head down and keep a low profile to be inconspicuous with faculty is just wrong. Get to know your faculty! The more they know you and know your personality, the more they will be willing to help you.
 
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Ok. Yes, you need to be less noticeable and look boring in the dental school and later at work, because bright hair' multiple piercings and visible tatoos are not associated with professionalism. That's the way it goes
The information about the dress code etc would be in the student book , which you would have access after acceptance. Ask present students at the school if they had students like that
If you are really adamant about going acid bright, then just bleach ends and use a washable die
 
Holy crap guys I just wanted to color my hair the same way some people like to paint their nails, how the heck does this have anything to do with my decision to go to dental school or if dentistry is right for me? I don't think anyone has any right to question my career choice especially when I've been doing so well so far. And if you don't think colored hair is more acceptable nowadays y'all need to go out more. Sorry I asked.
 
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Also for the record, I'm admitted into a guaranteed interview program and I have a 3.9 science GPA with organic chemistry and my practice DAT scores are 20+ right now so I'm doing pretty good. And I'm finishing my undergrad in 3 years. Thanks for judging me on the basis that I wanted to color my hair to boost my own self image.
 
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just do you. also, you could look into less permanent options like hair chalk or something. that's what my cousin used at first, and it gave a nice color even though he has dark brown hair.
 
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Man, there are such a range of answers here. The only thing I can add is try to put yourself in the place of the person in the chair. I personally do not want a dentist working on me that comes across as too "edgy" or trendsetting because damn, you're putting really sharp things in my mouth. Sometimes boring is good. I would much rather have a boring, conservative dentist that's going to not be getting creative with my tooth structure. If your hair is really crazy I'm going to tell you that I have to go to the bathroom and then make a run for it....eat the cancellation fee and reschedule with someone that looks like they have really steady hands - at another clinic. People are shallow and we make snap decisions based on appearances all the time. Doing what's best for the patient might mean making style choices that are not very fashionable.

Blah blah blah I’d rather have a less judgemental dental provider. I mean gee, are you gonna judge your patients for colored hair?
 
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Unnatural colors can make you appear unprofessional, but your superiors will definitely warn you if you're taking it too far.
 
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Seriously guy fieri is a world famous professional.... just saying.... frost em gold and learn to cook and u can be the dentist version of him - maybe
 
So if you think it’s so acceptable and that we should “go out more” then go do it. Stop asking for people’s opinions if you’re going to get upset. You asked, we answered. That’s life.
In life, you're gonna hear many things that you don't like and you need to learn how to ignore and move on. Now that's life.
 
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Anyways admissions director at my dream school has tattoos himself (full sleeve on one arm, quarter on the other) and a few of the students have dyed hair and tattoos (easily covered up by tying hair up or wearing a sweater overtop of scrubs) so info for prospective students, and all of them waited until after their interviews to dye their hair so good luck to anyone applying this upcoming cycle!
 
Holy crap guys I just wanted to color my hair the same way some people like to paint their nails, how the heck does this have anything to do with my decision to go to dental school or if dentistry is right for me? I don't think anyone has any right to question my career choice especially when I've been doing so well so far. And if you don't think colored hair is more acceptable nowadays y'all need to go out more. Sorry I asked.
Because we understand the importance of professional appearance and it's influence on your success during interviews, study and work.
Excessive piercing, visible tattoos and crazy hair color are not acceptable in dental school. For god sake my school does not even allow jeans
If you are willing to risk time and money be my guest
 
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Also for the record, I'm admitted into a guaranteed interview program and I have a 3.9 science GPA with organic chemistry and my practice DAT scores are 20+ right now so I'm doing pretty good. And I'm finishing my undergrad in 3 years. Thanks for judging me on the basis that I wanted to color my hair to boost my own self image.
Your personality will fail you during interview
 
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Holy crap guys I just wanted to color my hair the same way some people like to paint their nails, how the heck does this have anything to do with my decision to go to dental school or if dentistry is right for me? I don't think anyone has any right to question my career choice especially when I've been doing so well so far. And if you don't think colored hair is more acceptable nowadays y'all need to go out more. Sorry I asked.

I like to eat at Mexican restaurants where ordering in English is not an option. When I seek out these type of establishments I usually end up in a neighborhood that also has a lot of payday loan stores, pawn shops, coin operated laundries, plasma donation centers, probable prostitutes, etc.. but nothing that even remotely resembles a dentist office. THAT is where I usually see non-standard hair choices besides in Walmart and gas stations. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but the culture on and around college campus is a bubble. Sure, you probably see a lot of colored hair on decent people, especially if the community is pretty liberal, but it's the exception to the rule. In mainstream America, especially the midwest, it's not an attribute of the successful.
 
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I like to eat at Mexican restaurants where ordering in English is not an option. When I seek out these type of establishments I usually end up in a neighborhood that also has a lot of payday loan stores, pawn shops, coin operated laundries, plasma donation centers, probable prostitutes, etc.. but nothing that even remotely resembles a dentist office. THAT is where I usually see non-standard hair choices besides in Walmart and gas stations. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but the culture on and around college campus is a bubble. Sure, you probably see a lot of colored hair on decent people, especially if the community is pretty liberal, but it's the exception to the rule. In mainstream America, especially the midwest, it's not an attribute of the successful.

Maybe keep this comment to yourself next time, true or not. OP: In this day and age it is acceptable to do a bunch of stuff to your body that would previously be seen as taboo, which is good! The thing is that you have to look at these comments as a foreshadowing of what may come. Everybody here is stating their own opinion which has no repercussions to yourself, but in school and further work, patient's/people's opinions will have repercussions manifested in not scheduling second visits, or not referring patients to you. While you can tell them all you want that it is an acceptable thing in today's society, and that they're being judgmental, that doesn't change the fact that you may be short on patients. If the future doctors on this forum are stating these things, then it's likely that future patients and associated would share the same beliefs. At the end of the day, do what you want, but be willing to deal with what people think about it.
 
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I like to eat at Mexican restaurants where ordering in English is not an option. When I seek out these type of establishments I usually end up in a neighborhood that also has a lot of payday loan stores, pawn shops, coin operated laundries, plasma donation centers, probable prostitutes, etc.. but nothing that even remotely resembles a dentist office. THAT is where I usually see non-standard hair choices besides in Walmart and gas stations. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but the culture on and around college campus is a bubble. Sure, you probably see a lot of colored hair on decent people, especially if the community is pretty liberal, but it's the exception to the rule. In mainstream America, especially the midwest, it's not an attribute of the successful.
Lol you are very misguided and judgmental...
 
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My apologies if non-dental people aren't allowed to post in dental forums, but I just had to say:

you probably see a lot of colored hair on decent people
^^^ Holy high horse judgmental snobbery on a stick batman!

Methinks I'ma gonna dye my hair rainbow colors and walk around in a t-shirt that says, "I'm a decent person."
 
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Lol at all of the users calling OP unprofessional while they’re having a b*tch fit over colored hair.
 
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Jesus this thread is a train wreck. Hair dye isn't even permanent guys. I know that the point of this community is not mutual support exactly, but y'all could try harder to keep it civil.
 
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Jesus this thread is a train wreck. Hair dye isn't even permanent guys. I know that the point of this community is not mutual support exactly, but y'all could try harder to keep it civil.

Right! I've never seen so many people freak out due to what another person wants to do with their body.

Oh wait...

... abortion.


:corny:
 
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As soon as probably December 2nd I had dyed my hair a crazy color. Do it if you want to as long as it's after interviews. I dyed my hair back to a "normal" color about a week prior to starting up D-school in the fall!
I was very happy to have had the time to do it (I probably went through 5-6 colors in the months I did it), but I will say I havent seen anyone in school with totally crazy hair. They'll probably tell you the 'dress-code' after you get in and get the paperwork started.
 
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Lol you are very misguided and judgmental...

Yeah, well I am from a pretty low-income community in the rural Midwest, raised by a family who was well, low-income. I worked quite a few swing shifts at the local truck stop and the only people in town that had pink hair were my stoner coworkers that were constantly getting high after work. Obviously I left and went to college and don't live there now, but I really have this association firmly stuck in my head. I'm sorry I probably am being very judgmental but it's definitely not coming from a place of snobbery.
 
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