Viral Fashionable PPE Clothing Like a Hoodie, Intention to Bring a Happy Atmosphere for Patients

Kapanlagi.com - The initial impression of a hazmat suit or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is always plain white and baggy when worn by the user. However, this is not the case with custom hazmat suits worn by Dr. Nina Agustin, a dentist in Malang City.

The owner of Esthetic Dental Clinic (EDC) wears a hazmat suit that meets safety standards and is fashionable, with vibrant colors and a slim fit. So when wearing the hazmat suit, her patients no longer fear her, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"At the beginning of the pandemic, I used a standard hazmat suit, plain and slightly oversized. But over time, I felt uncomfortable wearing it," said Dr. Nina Agustin, starting her story at her clinic on Jalan Raya Telaga Golf 1, Araya Housing, Malang City, on Tuesday (21/7).

"In addition, my patients come in all ages, from children to the elderly, especially the children feel scared when they see their doctor wearing such a hazmat suit," she added.

Dr. Nina always wears custom hazmat suits while serving her patients, as well as her accompanying nurse. However, the nurse's hazmat suit is plain with a combination of blue and green colors.

1. Unique Pattern

The color and pattern of Dr. Nina's hazmat suits are considered unique with bright and bold motifs, as well as several other collections featuring faces, including the face of world celebrity Marilyn Monroe. The motifs are influenced by pop art style that utilizes faces, symbols, and others.

The stitching of the suits is made slim, so it appears to showcase the wearer's sexy body curves. However, all of this does not hinder movement and activities while working to care for patients.

"I want to combine fashion and safety, but we do not neglect the safety factor. Moreover, this dentist's hazmat suit has level 3 protection," she emphasized.

Dr. Nina herself completes her work attire with a head cover which is then covered with her hazmat hoodie. In addition, she wears goggles, a respirator, a face shield, gloves, and a pair of boots.

"But how to make patients not afraid, I combine it with a little modification, more towards fashionable," said the alumnus of the Faculty of Dentistry, Airlangga University (Unair) Surabaya.

2. Dominant Pink Color

Kapanlagi/Darmadi Sasongko

The practice workspace is dominated by pink color, which is well integrated with white equipment, typical of a doctor. A pink nameplate is also attached to the background of the practice equipment.

However, it is emphasized that being fashionable is very important but should not neglect safety factors. In terms of procedures, the clinic has also gone through that by implementing health protocols.

Patients who come are required to wash their hands at the designated place, wear masks, and practice physical distancing. Even patients wear head covers and special clothes while receiving treatment.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Dr. Nina, the clinic's equipment is also equipped with integrated aerosol air suction with other examination equipment. This device supports the safety of both the doctor and the patient, making them feel safe and comfortable.

"As a dentist, we don't just face patients for one or two hours, it can be several hours in a day. It really has to create a comfortable and safe working environment for the dentist," she explained.

3. Design Your Own Hazmat

The custom hazmat suit is designed by Dr. Nina herself using comfortable and softer materials compared to those on the market. However, the material is still resistant to water (waterproof) and can be reused after cleaning.

"I personally shop for the fabric and design it based on my style. I've always liked colorful things, even before the pandemic, when I practice, I go all out when it comes to fashion," she said.

Each hazmat suit piece requires 2 yards or about 190 cm of fabric, plus the design and printing. She uses the services of professional tailors in Kediri, who have become her regulars.

Dr. Nina herself admits to having a collection of 25 custom hazmat suits, along with several pairs of custom boots. Because the suit and shoes need to match.

"So I match the hazmat suit with the shoes," she emphasized.

According to Dr. Nina, her regular tailor has received many orders after working on the hazmat suits. Several doctors and healthcare workers specifically order them for their practice.

"So it's a source of income for the tailor, the orders are increasing, many people want to order like this too," she said.

4. Happy Atmosphere for Patients

Kapanlagi/Darmadi Sasongko

When wearing her custom hazmat suit for the first time at work, Dr. Nina admitted to immediately receiving positive responses from her patients. They usually saw doctors wearing standard hazmat suits, but only then did they see one like hers.

"The patients are happy and happy when they see the doctor and her assistant, because I also made a custom suit for the assistant. So, the atmosphere is happy, the patients don't feel traumatized and not afraid, especially children, they don't feel anxious, the atmosphere is really happy between the doctor and the patients supporting each other," she said.

Dr. Nina also feels that indirectly she provides education about dental care to her patients, especially the millennial generation. They may still have concerns about dental care, especially during the new normal period. But it turns out that dental care and dentists are not as they imagined.

"Maybe dental care is scary, but I turned it into a happy one, because the dental room standards are different from before. The patients who come in have different SOPs," she explained.

Dr. Nina's fashionable appearance is acknowledged to increase the operational costs in her clinic. This includes supporting patient clothing and other safety standards, but it is not considered a burden for the patients.

"But the additional costs are not much, it doesn't burden the patients. Because the current situation is difficult, I don't want to burden the patients," she said.

(kpl/frs)