‘Creating an inclusive environment is crucial’: Anushika Brogan sheds light on how gender bias exists in dentistry and the need for change.
Gender bias in dentistry can appear in various forms throughout a dentist’s career, starting from their education and extending into their professional lives.
For instance, dental schools might have targets for admitting a certain number of men and women, which could contribute to gender imbalance in the field.
Gender bias impact
Historically, there was a tendency for male practice owners to hire men over women. This bias persisted despite the fact that patients often preferred female dentists, believing they would be gentler. There’s a clear pattern of bias from multiple angles – whether in hiring practices or patient preferences.
The impact of gender bias extends into the workplace and personal life. For example, if a female dentist hasn’t discussed work plans at home before having children, there might be an assumption that she will take on childcare responsibilities or work part-time.
Such assumptions can influence her career decisions and financial situation. Many people don’t consider these issues before having children and end up navigating them as they arise, which can be challenging, especially with additional family influences.
Managing expectations
I experienced this firsthand when I bought my first practice while my eldest son was only nine months old. My mother was very upset with me for not staying home with my child, as she had done when raising us.
Her expectations, based on her own experiences, conflicted with my career plans. Luckily, my dad was supportive, but if I had only listened to my mother, my career path might have been very different.
As a new mother, dealing with such expectations can be tough. You often feel inadequate because of various external pressures and opinions. The best advice for new mothers is to focus on what works best for them and their families, regardless of what others think.
Everyone will have their own opinions, but it’s essential to do what suits your situation and makes you and your family happy. This approach is something I’ve learned through having three children.
Inclusivity is key
For practice owners, creating an inclusive environment is crucial. Dentistry is increasingly female-led, especially among dental nurses, and there are more female dentists now. It’s important to ensure that staff feel comfortable sharing news like pregnancy.
Creating an open environment where employees are supported regardless of their personal circumstances helps in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace.
Practices can take steps to prevent gender bias and support female colleagues. One improvement has been the shift towards self-employed dental contracts. Now, if a self-employed dentist is pregnant, they need to arrange a locum themselves, which reduces the direct impact on the practice and lessens gender bias.
This change is a positive step toward creating a fairer and more supportive environment for everyone in the dental field.
Read more of Anushika’s Balancing Life in Dentistry column:
- Mental health challenges in dentistry
- The importance of boundaries
- Managing imposter syndrome
- Why are there fewer businesswomen in dentistry?
- Advice for the next generation of businesswomen.
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