Impact of Scrub Color on Patient Perceptions of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons: A Cross-Sectional Study

This study aims to evaluate how the use of five different colored scrubs by male and female surgeons in oral and maxillofacial surgery affects patients' perceptions of trust, experience, respect, cleanliness, and comfort.

A cross-sectional survey was completed by 500 adults attending a university OMS clinic. Participants viewed standardized photographs of one male and one female surgeon wearing scrubs in five colors: black, navy blue, green, red, and white. All non-attire factors were kept constant. Each image was rated on a five-point Likert scale for trustworthiness, experience, respectability, cleanliness, and comfort. Group differences were analyzed using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests, followed by Bonferroni-adjusted post-hoc comparisons.

Scrub color showed significant associations with all evaluated traits (p < 0.001). Green, black, and navy blue received the highest ratings across most dimensions, while red consistently ranked lowest. Demographic factors produced only minor variations, and post-hoc results revealed little difference among the three best-rated colors.

Scrub color contributes to how patients perceive OMS surgeons, particularly in a field where anxiety is already common. Darker, traditional tones may support more reassuring impressions, while red appears less favorable. These findings may help guide attire preferences and institutional dress policies.