Bare Below the Elbows (BBE) policy for Muslim students and staff in School of Dentistry SA
As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh, dear community,
We are pleased to share a significant milestone in our ongoing advocacy for Muslim health workers and students in South Australia.
Alhamdulillah, the Adelaide University School of Dentistry has formally accepted a reasonable adjustment to the Bare Below the Elbows (BBE) policy for Muslim students and staff.
Following ISSA’s consultation with the School of Dentistry, SA Dental has issued official guidelines allowing Muslim women to wear disposable or approved arm covers during clinical procedures. This accommodation enables them to fulfil their religious obligation to cover their forearms while maintaining infection prevention and control standards.
ISSA BBE Consultation Paper:
https://shorturl.at/nlRmU
SA Dental Official Student Guidelines:
https://shorturl.at/PnbAO
Please share this announcement with any dental students or staff you know, especially those studying at Adelaide University or undertaking clinical placements with SA Dental.
Students who wear hijab and wish to access this accommodation can formally request it by following the process outlined in the guidelines. If you require a support letter from ISSA, please contact us at imams@islamicsocietysa.org.au
We are also currently in consultation with SA Health to extend this accommodation across all South Australian public health services, including hospitals, clinics, and health networks, in shaa Allah.
This is another important step in advocating for the rights of our community. Every achievement today helps create a more inclusive environment and opens new opportunities for the next generation of Muslim health professionals.
Jazakum Allahu khayran for your continued support and du’as. May Allah (SWT) bless everyone who contributed to this important outcome and grant success in the efforts that lie ahead. Ameen
