A Survey of the Barriers Affecting the Career Practice and Promotions of Female Dentists in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction: Over the last 40 y, the proportion of women in the profession of dentistry has been growing steadily. The extant literature, although limited, demonstrates that gender differences exist in choice of specialization, practice pattern, and professional attitudes, revealing that women are more likely to work in primary dental care and are less prominent in other dental specialties. Female Saudi dentists, working in the government sector, tend to occupy lower positions in the occupational hierarchy, are paid less, and are less likely to hold consultant positions as compared with men. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to identify barriers faced by female dentists practicing in Saudi Arabia in seeking professional advancement and to determine the variables that influenced respondents’ promotions. Methods: In February 2017, a web-based cross-sectional survey was emailed to all female dentists registered with the Saudi Dental Society ( N = 2,651). Completed questionnaires ( N = 130, response rate = 7.1%) were analyzed with simple summary statistics and a logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association between the dependent variable (promotion) and independent variables (family, environmental, interpersonal, and cultural factors). Results: Most female dentists believed that family, environmental, and cultural factors are challenges to their career practice and progression. Other factors included interpersonal challenges, such as gender discrimination and male dominance in the field of dentistry. Results of the regression analysis revealed that family and environmental factors were significant predictors of whether female dentists would be promoted. Conclusion: Saudi female dentists continue to face significant obstacles in their career practice and advancement. Their role in the workplace needs to be recognized. Factors that obstruct their career advancement should be well understood by dental institutions and efforts should be made to move more female dentists into leadership positions. Knowledge Transfer Statement: Policy makers can use the results of this study to develop strategies to overcome the barriers faced by female dentists in Saudi Arabia with respect to their professional and personal (family) needs. This study could lead to the development of employment incentives and a supportive workplace for female dentists.