Dentist Roles Still Dominated By Men In Australia
The number of female dentists in Australia is increasing year on year; however, the latest statistics show that there is still a significant gap in numbers of men and women obtaining the highest roles.
The statistics show that only a third of dentists in Australia are female, compared to a staggering 95 per cent of dental hygienists. Figures from the medical profession make for similar reading, with females making up 36 per cent of doctors and 99 per cent of midwives.
Dr Adrian Webster, from the Institute of Health and Welfare, said that there is a clear gender gap across many industries and many areas of healthcare are still dominated by males.
Sandy Prizeman, manager of the Gladstone Women’s Health Centre, said that the gender gap seen in healthcare reflects attitudes in wider society, as there is still a feeling that women are not equal to men and that the more important roles should be performed by males. However, there have been minor improvements and Sandy said that in the last ten years alone, the situation has changed significantly, so there is hope for the future.
Dr Nina Patel, from One Dental Group, has recently moved to Australia from the UK and said that the situation is very different, as there are many more young female dentists working in the UK.
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