Sex sells — that's how the saying goes. But how much sex appeal is appropriate for dental-related conferences and/or conventions?
Booth babes and barbettes, the scantily dressed beauties, have become an everyday sight at some dental shows. We all have walked down exhibit aisles and seen certain companies' attempts to get the attention of the attendees. At evening receptions, one often sees these underdressed hosts and/or hostesses welcoming guests on behalf of a dental manufacturer or dealer.
All of this begs the question: Are booth babes/barbettes a good idea?
If a manufacturer wants to draw attention to its product or service (and I know the following statement is just a market analysis of one), a curvaceous belly dancer in the aisles or on a dance floor will not make me want to buy those products for my practice or recommend them to my patients. Unless the product line centers on barely clothed, beautiful women or men, hiring booth babes does little, if anything, to further the marketing message.
What about the "freebies" or "gifts" we get at professional conventions or functions? Think back. How many of them have had inappropriate sexual connotations? I'm talking about the "R-rated," completely off-base one-liners. The most profound in my mind was a black, tightly fitted T-shirt that I got from a manufacturer on the convention floor that read, "Want to get lased?"
Those who know me will agree, that I, like many of my readers, like to unwind, have a good time, and on occasion, enjoy a cocktail or two. But even at social receptions or convention parties, these are not the venues to have such sexual idols or merchandise.
Now, I must also make an observation that if a hygienist wants to be regarded as a serious professional when attending such dental conventions or receptions, there is a line between having fun and being sexy by design.
Victoria's Secret is synonymous with sexy — that's the purpose of their beautiful, clothing-deficient models. The company's purpose is to draw attention to its lingerie and products. But with regard to a professional image and being taken seriously within the marketplace, consider the message you are giving if you are remembered more for your outfit or lack thereof, the number of Jello- or sex-on-the-beach shots you threw back, or your sex appeal vs. your professional accomplishments.
I have witnessed many up-and-coming hygienists walking the convention hall during the day seeking company support for ventures, continuing-education programs, or handing out resumes. Some have chosen less-than-business-like attire. Here's a hint: If unsure, read a book about professional business attire or look around. If you have fewer clothes on than the female executive you are meeting with, chances are fairly good that your "professional" image will not connect with the "professional" image of the company you hope to do business with.
And when the sun goes down, I have yet to read that one way to secure company monies is to be mistaken for a hip-hop diva. No matter how much you need to unwind and are looking forward to getting away, listen to my mother's advice and please pack a bra.
So, manufacturers and dental hygienists equally should realize that the perceived benefit garnered from booth babes or being considered a " hygiene babe" wanes in comparison to acting professionally and representing your company and its product line respectfully.
Kristine A. Hodsdon, RDH, BS
Director, RDH eVillage
