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Abstract

Background: Among dental students, wearing a white coat represents a symbol of recognition linked with dignity and respect for the wearers. However, it has been reported that dental students are seen wearing an apron or white coat in public places, and this practice needs to be corrected and addressed.
Aim: The study had the aim of determining the perception of dental students towards wearing of white coat/aprons.
Methods: The study utilized a closed-ended questionnaire comprising 10 items which was distributed to the clinical students from a dental college. The questionnaire explored the understanding of dental students towards their willingness to replace white coats with scrubs, white coat maintenance, grounds of wearing aprons outside premises and after college hours, and their understanding towards white coat wearing in college. The data recorded were assessed for distribution of frequency and to formulate results.
Results: The study results showed that the majority of dental students had a preference for wearing white coats over scrubs in college. The grounds for wearing a white coat outside college were for a different feeling and laziness in removing the white coat. The white coat was perceived as personal protective equipment by the participants and 40% traveled to college in a white coat. Majority of participants accepted on wearing white coat outside college during college time and immediately after that. The majority of subjects also kept their belongings in pockets of white coats.
Conclusion: The present study elucidates the white coat understanding in dental students as awareness is scarce concerning how, where, and when one should use a white coat. Institutes play a vital role in the dissemination and promotion of white coat use importance. Also, there is the necessity of implementing standards and policies for white coat maintenance and handling.