Gender Differences in Work Status during Early Career of Dentists: An Analysis of National Survey Cohort Data of 10 Years in Japan

Abstract

Few studies have evaluated gender differences in young dentists’ career focusing on career breaks and return to work. We created a cohort dataset for dentists registered in 2006 using the national survey between 2006–2016 (men, 1680; women, 984), and examined the work setting of dentists by gender 10 years after registration. The proportion of dentists on career break increased each survey year, and was more pronounced in women than in men (2006 to 2016, men, 11.2% to 14.2%; women, 7.9% to 31.0%). The proportion of those who had career breaks between 2006–2016 was 44.8% in men and 62.9% in women. In the multiple logistic regression for examining the associations between those who returned to work compared to those working continuously, in women, the odds ratios (OR) were significantly higher in those working in dental clinics (owner, OR: 5.39; employee, OR: 3.10), and those working part-time (OR: 2.07); however, in men, there was no significant association with part-time work. These results suggest during early career phase, female dentists are more likely than males to take career breaks and choose part-time on returning. These gender differences should be considered for ensuring adequate workforce in dentistry in the future.

Burnout assessment among academic dental staff during COVID‐19: Data from Arab countries

“… 22 , 26 In a Japanese study, the authors analyzed the work status of a different gender in an early dental career. 31 They have reported that the working hours of female dentists in dental practice are shorter than those of male dentists, and the suggested main reason is childcare. 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 However, in our study, childcare was not a significant predictor of overall burnout or burnout subdomains.…”

“… 31 They have reported that the working hours of female dentists in dental practice are shorter than those of male dentists, and the suggested main reason is childcare. 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 However, in our study, childcare was not a significant predictor of overall burnout or burnout subdomains. This finding can be explained by the nature of home work during the pandemic period.…”

“…Nonetheless, other studies showed higher burnout in females in the dental field 22,26 . In a Japanese study, the authors analyzed the work status of a different gender in an early dental career 31 . They have reported that the working hours of female dentists in dental practice are shorter than those of male dentists, and the suggested main reason is childcare 31–35 .…”

Influence of Oral Health Care Systems on Future Career Environment of Dental Students in Europe

“…The keenness of health profession courses for students to work in the countryside after graduation was reported [45]. It is also worth noting that female students and students who come from a rural community are also more inclined to opt for a career in rural areas [46]. A very good knowledge of one or more languages, a desire to relocate/migrate after graduation is a factor to be considered and taken into account [46].…”

“…It is also worth noting that female students and students who come from a rural community are also more inclined to opt for a career in rural areas [46]. A very good knowledge of one or more languages, a desire to relocate/migrate after graduation is a factor to be considered and taken into account [46]. Although a limited number of studies to date have examined career sex differences among young dentists with regards to career breaks, females are more likely than males to take career breaks early in their careers and to choose part-time work on their return [31,47].…”