Feminization of professions: The case of women in dentistry

The potential impact of feminization upon professions is examined through a case study of the Ontario dental profession. Women are entering dentistry in larger numbers, and if women practice differently than men, then their increased participation may alter the nature of dental practice. Using data from a survey of dentists in Ontario conducted in 2002 (N=484), this study finds that there are very few differences between male and female dentists in terms of practice characteristics and attitudes towards practise. Although men and women tend to differ in their practice type and average income, they, on average, resemble one another in terms of working hours, practice location and professional attitudes. Nevertheless, age emerged as an important mediating factor and some gender differences do exist amongst the younger cohorts of dentists. The implications of these findings for dentistry, and the feminization of professions more generally, are discussed.