Men and Women Split over Dental School Admissions

Dentists were asked if they think it is legitimate for dental schools to favor male applicants in a recent survey by dental marketing resource The Wealthy Dentist. The majority (58%) disagreed, saying that gender discrimination is unacceptable. However, a whopping 42% said yes, it's okay to give preference to those who will give back the most.

Studies have found that female dentists work less than their male colleagues (by about 4 hours per week). Women dentists, particularly those with small children, are more likely to work part-time. So, the argument goes, the average male dentist provides more total care to the public over the course of his career than the average female dentist.

Men and women had drastically different opinions on the matter of gender profiling. While 55% of male dentists felt that favoring male applicants was acceptable, only 12% of female dentists agreed.

Many full-time dentists are unimpressed with their part-time colleagues. "The reality is we are entering a time of declining supply of dentists and increasing population. For every slot in a dental school that is occupied, we are going to need a reasonable output of care from that individual!" said a male dentist.

The issue is even more complicated at state schools. "Anyone accepting a position in a state school needs to make a mental commitment to practice for at least 15 years to justify taking up that admittance slot," opined a female periodontist. "The public should not subsidize a full-time education in a field with a developing shortage for a part time-provider," agreed a male dentist.

Many see no difference between gender bias and racial discrimination. "If we find that Hispanics work more hours and donate higher rates than Native Americans, should the same argument apply? I think not!" exclaimed a male dentist.

Female dentists mentioned facing prejudice during their educations and careers. "I would have been eligible in 1967 to try for dental school, but the dean refused to accept women unless they were the daughters of dentists or planned to go to pediatric dentistry. So first I was a hygienist for 20 years. I have been practicing full time since 1986. I hope my granddaughter never has to face this kind of nonsense!!"

It is possible that dental schools prefer men because they donate more. "Perhaps dental schools should examine why female graduates donate less," said one female dentist. "As a dental student in the 1970s, I was harassed and discriminated against regularly. One professor announced to the class that he didn't understand what the point was of admitting women to dental school if we didn't wear skirts to class."

"Whew!" sighed Jim Du Molin, dental management consultant and founder of The Wealthy Dentist. "People rarely talk about this issue, but it's a big one, particularly in dentistry. I hope talking about it openly can help ease this professional Battle of the Sexes!"

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