Women in oral and maxillofacial surgery: Factors affecting career choices, attitudes, and practice characteristics

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyzed the factors that attract women to the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery, their attitudes toward various aspects of the specialty, current practice patterns, and biases that may have been or are still being encountered. Methods: Surveys were mailed to practicing female oral and maxillofacial surgeons, to oral and maxillofacial surgery residency programs to be distributed to their female residents, and to male and female dental students. Results: A total of 107 surveys were sent to practicing female surgeons and 105 to oral and maxillofacial surgery programs. There was a return rate of 71% and 70%, respectively. Practicing female oral and maxillofacial surgeons tended to be young, Caucasian, and married. Fifty-nine percent were boarded, and 47% owned their own practices. Four of 76 had interrupted their residencies, and 18 had interrupted their practices at some point. More than 64% of practicing female oral and maxillofacial surgeons believed that there was a bias against women in this field. Female residents showed an overwhelming satisfaction with their career choice, but nearly half of them alluded to the need for dedication, a restriction of social life, or a concern for entering an maledominated field. For students, the time commitment during residency and while in practice, and compromised family and social life, were the most commonly mentioned deterrents to entering oral and maxillofacial surgery, and lifestyle and the excitement of the field were its major attractions. Conclusion: Despite some biases in the field, women are practicing oral and maxillofacial surgery full time and are combining their career with full family lives. Among dental students, the time commitment and social compromise are the largest deterrents to entering the specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery.