Professionalization, gender and female-dominated professions: dental hygiene in Ontario.

This paper explores the influence of gender and feminism on the professional projects of female-dominated professions, through a case study of dental hygiene in Ontario. Full professional status has eluded many female-dominated professions, including dental hygiene. Historically, dental hygiene was defined as work for women, to be performed strictly under the control of male dentists. In recent years, dental hygiene has pursued a professional project and struggled for greater independence from dentistry. Ideas about gender and, particularly, feminism have been central to their professional project.