The practice of dentistry by male and female dentists

Abstract

Increasing numbers of women are entering the once male-dominated dental profession in Australia. Determining what differences exist in the practice of dentistry between male and female dentists has therefore become an important task. The purpose of the present study was to examine differences in practice between male and female dentists. Data were available from a weighted, stratified random sample of 730 dentists (486 male and 294 female dentists) in each State or Territory of Australia. Using discriminant analysis age, practice setting, number of other dentists in the practice, inputs to the practice of dentistry either hired, acquired or contributed, direct demand and community size were all found significant in separating male and female dentists. It was more difficult to separate younger male and female dentists, indicating some convergence between the sexes. However, some differences persisted. Possible reasons for the differences are discussed and some implications noted.

Gender differences in dentists’ working practices and job satisfaction

“…In most industrialised countries, [1][2][3][4] there has been a steady increase in the proportion of women in the dentist workforce over the last 25 years. This is likely to have impacted on the profession's productivity, as female dentists tend to work fewer hours per week than male dentists.…”

“…This is likely to have impacted on the profession's productivity, as female dentists tend to work fewer hours per week than male dentists. [2][3][4] Furthermore, a larger proportion of females than males take career breaks, with women taking longer breaks (up to several years). Such breaks tend to be followed by lower working hours upon returning to practice, [5][6][7] and some women experience difficulties upon their return.…”

Practice profiles of male and female dentists in Australia

“…Earlier surveys show an increase from around 5% in 1966 to 6.9% in 1973-74 to 10% in 1980 to 13.8% in 1987. 1,2 Later surveys show this trend continued, with an increase from 16.5% in 1992 to 22.9% in 2000 to 26.3% in 2003, 3 and this is projected to increase to approximately 40% by 2015. 4 The increased proportion of female dentists has been linked with the potential impact on the capacity of the dentist labour force to supply services.…”

Comparison of operative techniques between female and male dentists in class 2 and class 5 resin composite restorations

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9] Furthermore, several specified studies based on dental work models have mentioned a gender difference in terms of occupational relationships, professional attitudes, academic contributions, treatment decisions, etc. 4,5,7,8,[10][11][12][13] However, it has been rarely studied on gender difference related to dental operation per se.…”