Working patterns of male and female dentists in the UK.

A random selection of male (250) and female (250) dentists in the Dentists Register 1992 were sent a postal self-administered questionnaire to determine their working patterns, places of work and whether or not they had children of school age or younger. There was also space for free comment. Responses from 75% of males and 81% of females were received. Results show that 79% of males, compared with 46% of females, work in full-time dentistry, chiefly in general dental practice. Family commitments were the principal reason for 30% of female dentists working part-time. A small number (14%) of male dentists work in a second career alongside part-time dentistry. As a female dentist's family becomes older and less dependent so the number of sessions worked increases. Overall, female dentists felt well suited and satisfied with their chosen profession. A small, but worrying group (4%) of male full-time general dental practitioners were very dissatisfied with dentistry as a career and showed clear signs of severe psychological stress expressed in the style and nature of free comments made.