Are Doctors Allowed to Wear Rings?

Those who work in the medical field or have ever been around a physician may have noticed that not all doctors—even those who are married or in committed relationships—don’t always wear wedding rings. So are doctors allowed to wear rings? The answer depends a lot on where the doctor works, what the specific workplace policies are, what their typical workday is like, and sometimes whether they know about silicone rings as an alternative to metal wedding rings.

Why Doctors Don’t Wear Rings

The most common reasons that physicians or those in the medical field choose to forego wearing a ring are likely related to:

  • Comfort – since doctors work with their hands all day, it might not be comfortable to wear a wedding ring all the time. Metal wedding rings are also kind of cold, which can be uncomfortable for a patient if it comes in contact with the skin.

  • Safety – some doctors might skip wearing a ring because they’re worried about whether a metal ring is sterile and safe to wear during activities like routine exams and even in-office procedures.

There are also many healthcare facilities that have developed policies that prohibit wearing a ring because of concerns that some rings might harbor clinically relevant bacteria. However, it’s important to note that a 2013 study that reviewed studies investing the risk of wearing rings in a healthcare setting found no direct evidence that healthcare workers wearing rings were more likely to transmit hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) or other bacteria. They also examined several types of rings and found that there is no evidence that any particular material is harmful, so healthcare workers worried about that can rest assured that both metal and silicone rings are safe.

Why Doctors Should Wear Silicone Rings


For those physicians and advanced practice clinicians (as well as nurses, medical assistants, and other medical staff) who want to wear a wedding ring, silicone rings are a great alternative to metal. They provide several advantages, including:

  • All-day comfort – you can easily forget that you are wearing a silicone wedding ring because it’s so comfortable, stretchy, and soft.

  • Versatility – silicone rings are bendable and flexible, so they move with your hands no matter what you’re doing and offer a superior level of versatility for all employees.

  • Patient comfort – silicone rings aren’t cold like metal, so they won’t shock your patients during an exam involving your hands.

  • Sterility – silicone rings are non-porous and can easily be washed with soap and water just like you do your hands to remove bacteria and contaminants. If they are exposed to something that requires a higher level of sterilization you can boil them or throw them in the dishwasher.

For doctors who want a better alternative ring to wear to work, Enso Rings has a huge selection to choose from. Find the perfect ring today.

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