Discoloured nails

Question:

One of my dental nurses has been to see me. She has discoloured nails and this affects her confidence – she has them covered professionally with pink/white powder to disguise this. She has asked if she can continue with this to help with confidence issues. As I understand, the current guidance is that nails should be completely free from varnish, patterns / false nails. Does this mean I would need to ask her to stop having her nails coloured to ensure our compliance?

Answer:

This is one of my real bugbears – I think professionally manicured nails look so much better but the guidance is that nails should be short and uncoloured. However, it is guidance rather than legislation, so I think if you can argue the case then go ahead – that's my personal view.

Amelia Bray
BDPMA Chairman