The findings of a postal questionnaire survey of women dentists in Wales are described and compared with data from men dentists. Women were much more contented with their work and enjoyed the contact with people, but they worked shorter hours and saw fewer patients than men. They experienced little difficulty in finding suitable jobs. Their attitudes to practice are discussed. There is a need for a retraining course for those who give up practice for any substantial period of time to help them overcome the fall-off in skill and confidence.