Advancing women, parity, and gender equity.

For centuries, society has called out for transformations to lift all of its members. While it may seem ordinary in our time for women to be dentists or dental educators, the path was neither always easy, nor has true equity been achieved. The modern transformation of dental education and dentistry creates the need for leaders to propose and develop concrete initiatives to advance the profession and benefit society. Areas to address that could lead to increased equity for women include career advancement, leadership opportunities, compensation, career satisfaction, research, and scholarly activity. Our analysis demonstrates that even though the number of full-time female faculty has increased during recent years, most positions (59.5%) at dental schools in the US are held by men (2018-2019). Males were also compensated at higher rates than their female counterparts, and female deans made 7% less in total compensation. Because disparities are evident in pay and academic pathways, new directions and strategies must be employed to ensure parity and gender equity. Facilitating the progress of women in organized dentistry requires efforts of dental academic institutions to invest resources and provide nurturing environments that promote professional performances and leadership skills for women, with these being priorities-considering the current trends that anticipate increased numbers of women in dental academia. All dentists bring their own experiences to the profession, making for rich depth and diversity. As a collective voice, we have a bright future. We can and will move forward together.

A qualitative research analysis of gender-based parities and disparities at work place experienced by female dentists of Vadodara, India.

AIM: To assess the gender-based parities and disparities at work place experienced by female dentists of Vadodara, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-depth face-to-face qualitative semi-structured interviews in English were conducted among 12 female dentists of Vadodara. Female dentists working with one/more male colleague or auxiliary were selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted as per Kvale's principles and recorded using a digital voice recorder. Transcribed data was analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: The recurring themes identified were: (a) Striking work-family balance (b) Dependence on male authority for instating work discipline (c) Male dentists' hostility to "woman in power" concept (d) Male dentists' superiority in technical skills (e) privileges for women dentists. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to improve the work environment of women dentists. Social support, sensitivity among male colleagues, and generous institutional policies will enable increased contribution from women to the profession.

Trends in the earnings gender gap among dentists, physicians, and lawyers.

BACKGROUND: The authors examined the factors associated with sex differences in earnings for 3 professional occupations. METHODS: The authors used a multivariate Blinder-Oaxaca method to decompose the differences in mean earnings across sex. RESULTS: Although mean differences in earnings between men and women narrowed over time, there remained large, unaccountable earnings differences between men and women among all professions after multivariate adjustments. For dentists, the unexplained difference in earnings for women was approximately constant at 62% to 66%. For physicians, the unexplained difference in earnings for women ranged from 52% to 57%. For lawyers, the unexplained difference in earnings for women was the smallest of the 3 professions but also exhibited the most growth, increasing from 34% in 1990 to 45% in 2010. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in the earnings gap is driven largely by a general convergence between men and women in some, but not all, observable characteristics over time. Nevertheless, large unexplained gender gaps in earnings remain for all 3 professions. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Policy makers must use care in efforts to alleviate earnings differences for men and women because measures could make matters worse without a clear understanding of the nature of the factors driving the differences.

Síndrome de Burnout en odontólogos de la XVIII Región Sanitaria del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, Paraguay / Burnout Syndrome in dentists working at the XVIII Sanitary Region of the Ministry of Public Health and Social, Paraguay

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Síndrome de Burnout (SB) es la disfunción psicológica que aparece como consecuencia a una respuesta inadecuada al estrés laboral crónico. OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia del Síndrome de Burnout y describir aspectos de las esferas personal y laboral en odontólogos que prestan servicio en la XVIII Región Sanitaria (Asunción-Paraguay) del Ministerio de Salud Pública y Bienestar Social, en el año 2015. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal. Fueron registradas las características demográficas y laborales a través de un cuestionario. El SB fue evaluado mediante el Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) en su versión en español. RESULTADOS: La muestra quedó conformada por 83 odontólogos. El 92,77% fue sexo femenino. El promedio de edad fue de 42,06años (DE=9,77). El 67,47% de los odontólogos presentó valores bajos de cansancio emocional. El 3,61% y el 66,27% obtuvieron niveles altos de despersonalización y realización personal, respectivamente. El 36,15% se hallaba en riesgo de padecer SB y el 1,20% presentó SB. CONCLUSIÓN: La baja frecuencia de SB hallada podría atribuirse a la sensación de optimismo, así como a las valoraciones laboral y económica favorables observadas, que servirían a los odontólogos de estímulo positivo para el desempeño de sus labores profesionales.

INTRODUCTION: Burnout Syndrome (BS) is the psychological dysfunction that appears as a consequence of an inadequate response to chronic work stress. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of Burnout Syndrome and to describe aspects of the personal and professional spheres in dentists working at the XVIII Sanitary Region (Asunción-Paraguay) of the Ministry of Public Health and Social Welfare in 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, observational, descriptive study was performed. Demographic and labor characteristics were recorded through a questionnaire. The SB was evaluated by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) in its spanish version. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 83 dentists, corresponding 92.77% of the same to the female sex. The average age found was 42.06 years (SD = 9.77). 67.47% of dentists presented low values of emotional exhaustion. 3.61% and 66.27% obtained high levels of depersonalization and personal fulfillment, respectively. 36.15% of the sample was at risk for BS and 1.20% had BS. CONCLUSION: The low frequency of SB found could be attributed to the feeling of optimism, as well as to the favorable labor and economic valuations observed, that would help dentists with positive stimulus to perform their professional duties.

Gender Differences and Predictors of Practice Ownership in a Sample of Ontario Dentists.

PURPOSE: To examine the influence of gender on practice ownership among Ontario dentists. METHODS: In 2012, a 52-item survey was sent to a random sample of 3000 Ontario dentists (1500 men and 1500 women) to collect information on personal, professional and sociodemographic characteristics. The resulting data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regression modeling. RESULTS: The 867 respondents included 463 men, 401 women and 3 people whose gender was unreported, yielding a response rate of 29%. Univariate regression analyses revealed that male dentists were 2.2 times more likely to be practice owners than female dentists. Dentists > 60 years were less likely to be owners than younger dentists. The odds of practice ownership were lower for dentists who preferred the ability to secure part-time work. A higher level of confidence in one's business acumen significantly predicted practice ownership. Dentists making concessions in their career to pursue family life were more likely to be associates, and those who perceived that their partners made concessions to aid in their career were more likely to be owners. In multivariate analyses, the effect of gender on practice ownership became insignificant, yet the influence of age, preference for career aspects, confidence in business skills and perceptions regarding concessions by self and partner persisted. Gender-stratified analyses revealed that familial factors significantly predicted ownership for female dentists, but not for male dentists. CONCLUSION: Gender appears to be linked to practice ownership, but when other factors are considered such as age, preference for part-time work, higher levels of confidence in business skills and perceptions of career concessions, the relationship does not remain.

The landscape for women leaders in dental education, research, and practice.

Following early limitations on women becoming educated in and practicing dentistry, the proportion of women enrolled in dental schools around the world has increased dramatically over the past decades. Dental schools have undergone a transformation from male dominance to almost equal numbers in the United States and female predominance in other countries including the United Kingdom. However, this change in student gender distribution has not been matched among academic leaders. Data from across the globe indicate a clear disproportion in favor of males in leadership positions in dentistry-and the more senior the position, the greater the imbalance. This article reviews the evolving changes in gender distribution across the landscape of dental education, research, and practice and some initiatives to address the gender imbalance in leadership. Such initiatives can help to ensure that, in the future, the profession benefits from the spectrum of influences brought to bear by the leadership of both women and men.

[Presence of women in management bodies of the professional associations of the field of health in 2015]. / Presencia de las mujeres en los órganos de dirección de los colegios profesionales del ámbito de la salud en 2015.

BACKGROUND: The gradual increase of women in the health professions does not correspond with her presence in positions of power. Given that professional colleges have an essential role in the representation and professional regulation, arises as an aim to describe the presence of women in the managerial structures of the professional colleges of health in Spain now to verify the degree of compliance with the criteria of parity. METHODS: The Spanish official professionals' colleges were compiled by visiting the websites of the General Council of the Psychology of Spain, General Council of Medical Associations of Spain, General Council of Colleges of Nursing of Spain, General Council of Physiotherapists Schools of Spain, General Dental Council, Organization collegiate Pharmaceutical General and Council of Associations of Podiatrists. All their webs were visited. The sex of the presidency, the executive and the entire board was identified. Data were analyzed according to the overall percentage of women and profession. We compared this to the INE-2014 collegiate professionals. RESULTS: Out of 251 professionals' colleges in July-2015, 21, 91% had a female president. Women hold 34,69% of the executive positions and 42,80% of total boards. 11, 32% of Medical colleges had a female president and 43,48% of Nursing ones. The Psychology are those with more women in the presidency, 45, 83%. CONCLUSION: There is no parity, being higher in Psychology and Nursing and, much lower in Dentistry, Physiotherapy, Podiatry and Medicine. It decreases with the responsibility level. Health Inequality.

General dentist characteristics associated with rural practice location.

PURPOSE: To examine whether there is a difference in the likelihood that a general dentist practices in a rural location based on individual characteristics, including dental school attended, birth state, practice arrangement, sex, and age. METHODS: All private practice, general dentists in Iowa were included in this study. Data were extracted from the year 2010 version of the Iowa Dentist Tracking System, which monitors practice patterns of active dentists. Rurality of primary office location, categorized using Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes, served as the outcome variable. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression were used to explain associations between rural practice location and dentist characteristics. FINDINGS: Fifteen percent of the state's population resided in isolated small rural towns, but only 8% of general dentists practiced here. Approximately 17% of dentists in isolated small rural towns were age 40 or younger, compared to 32% of dentists in urban areas. Among male dentists, those who were born in Iowa (P = .002) were older (P = .020), and graduated from dental schools other than the University of Iowa (P = .009) were more likely to practice in rural areas than were their counterparts. Conversely, among female dentists, solo practice (P = .016) was the only variable significantly associated with rural practice location. CONCLUSIONS: The dentist workforce in rural areas of Iowa is dominated by older males who were born in Iowa. As this generation retires and increasing numbers of women enter the profession, state policy makers and planners will need to monitor changing trends in the rural workforce.

What is the dental profession's contribution to worsening access-to-care problems?

Access to oral health care is a complex and multifactorial problem. The objective of this article is to discuss those factors most influenced by the dental care provider. Issues examined include the low participation of dentists in Medicaid, objection of organized dentistry to the introduction of dental therapists into the oral health workforce, increased focus on family and subsequent reduction in work hours by younger dentists, increased participation in the oral health workforce by women (who, research has demonstrated, have shorter careers), and reluctance to treat certain populations (like individuals with special needs and children). There are many things that dentists cannot control, such as patient compliance and insurance reimbursements; however, this article will discuss those factors that the dental profession can influence that may lead to improved access to oral health care.

A qualitative investigation of specialist orthodontists in New Zealand. Part 1. Orthodontists and orthodontic practice.

BACKGROUND: Current knowledge of orthodontic practice is largely anecdotal and the lack of systematic knowledge can create barriers to better identifying the factors that make a successful orthodontist. The aim of this study was to investigate the routine practising lives of New Zealand orthodontists in order to generate an understanding of the reality of orthodontic specialist practice and its effects on their professional and personal lives. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted involving 19 practising orthodontists (four females, 15 males; mean age 50 years) throughout New Zealand.Transcribed interviews were analysed for themes using an applied grounded theory approach. RESULTS: A core category of 'practising orthodontists' was derived, and related themes were grouped under the sub-categories of: (a) NZ orthodontic specialist practice; (b) NZ specialist orthodontists; and (c) work-life balance. The present paper reports on the first two subcategories. Themes elucidated under the specialist practice sub-category included modernisation, changing social norms, practice arrangement, branch practice, staffing, competition, legislation, advertising, the future and the provision of orthodontics by non-specialists. Themes in the orthodontic specialist sub-category were prior experience, postgraduate training, recent graduates, reasons for specialising, generational differences, females in orthodontics, NZ and overseas practice, the ageing profession and the prospect of an orthodontist shortage. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation has shed light on orthodontists and the practice of orthodontics in New Zealand and determined aspects rarely discussed in the current or previous literature. It will be valuable to observe how orthodontists and orthodontic practice continue to evolve in response to changes in NZ society.

Educational support for the dental workforce: a review of the first five years of Retaining and Returning Advisers in England.

INTRODUCTION: Retaining and Returning Advisers (RRAs) were appointed to postgraduate dental deaneries in England in 2002 as part of the Government's strategy to retain the dental workforce and support return to practice following a career break. The study aimed to review RRAs' activities and consider the overall success of the RRA initiative five years from inception (2007). DESIGN AND METHODS: A case study design, conducted in three phases, drawing on qualitative data. In Phase 1, semi-structured interviews were held with all RRAs in England (n=12). Phase 2 involved an electronic survey of all 12 postgraduate dental deans in England (n=10). In Phase 3, analysis was undertaken and a final report prepared. RESULTS: RRAs have been flexible in responding to the changing policy context, and devolved funding for the role to the local, deanery level. They have adapted to support more diverse target groups including those seeking vocational training equivalence and underperforming dentists. Future priorities were envisaged to be associated with primary care trusts' commissioning and quality assurance responsibilities, and supporting all members of the dental team. CONCLUSION: RRAs have become well-established in deaneries and have made a successful contribution to addressing workforce and educational needs for a diverse group of practitioners.

Preferences for caries prevention agents in adult patients: findings from the dental practice-based research network.

OBJECTIVES: To identify factors that are significantly associated with dentists' use of specific caries preventive agents in adult patients, and whether dentists who use one preventive agent are also more likely to use certain others. METHODS: Data were collected from 564 practitioners in The Dental Practice-Based Research Network, a multi-region consortium of participating practices and dental organizations. RESULTS: In-office topical fluoride was the method most frequently used. Regarding at-home preventive agents, there was little difference in preference between nonprescription fluoride, prescription fluoride, or chlorhexidine rinse. Dentists who most frequently used caries prevention were also those who regularly perform caries risk assessment and individualize caries prevention at the patient level. Higher percentages of patients with dental insurance were significantly associated with more use of in-office prevention modalities. Female dentists and dentists with more-recent training were more likely to recommend preventive agents that are applied by the patient. Dentists who reported more-conservative decisions in clinical treatment scenarios were also more likely to use caries preventive agents. Groups of dentist who shared a common preference for certain preventive agents were identified. One group used preventive agents selectively, whereas the other groups predominately used either in-office or at-home fluorides. CONCLUSIONS: Caries prevention is commonly used with adult patients. However, these results suggest that only a subset of dentists base preventive treatments on caries risk at the individual patient level.

Gender disparities in prosthodontics: authorship and leadership, 13 years of observation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine gender disparities in prosthodontics by reviewing the trend of female authorship in prosthodontic journals and exploring the role of female leadership in prosthodontic organizations and Advanced Education in Prosthodontic (AEP) programs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three journals representing the prosthodontic specialty were selected to analyze the percentage of female dentist first and last (senior) authors for the years 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2008. Article inclusion criteria were restricted to the first or last authors who held at least a DMD/DDS/BDS degree and were from U.S. institutions. Data on female leadership in prosthodontic organizations and advanced education programs were collected, and the trends were studied. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. A linear regression analysis was performed to investigate the proportion of female authorship compared to male in the dental literature. A Fisher's Exact Test was performed to contrast differences of female first and last authorship in the selected journals between years 1995 and 2008. RESULTS: Overall, there was no statistically significant linear increase in the proportion of either first or last female authorship compared to male authorship over time. With respect to each journal, the linear regression analysis showed that the increase of first female authorship was statistically significant (p= 0.016) compared to male authorship only in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. The percentage of female presidents of prosthodontic organizations has been very limited. A similar trend was also observed in AEP program director positions. CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 13 years, female dentists' participation in prosthodontics literature authorship has not increased significantly in the United States. Furthermore, female involvement in prosthodontics leadership has been limited over the past decades.